Automotive Scan Tool or Engine Analyzer?

I'm a newbie just needed some information about an automotive scan tool or engine analyzer and what it does. Could someone please tell me if one needs any special knowledge to
operate it and make alterations to the engine?

Thanks for your help


Depends on exactly what you are talking about. There are some very competent
engine analyzers that will perform many monitoring and diagnostic functions,
and they can be very expensive. A trained technician needs to be able to
interpret the data and repair any defective systems. A automotive scan tool or scanner can be much less expensive. Many of them can perform functions other than just to read the onboard diagnostics codes. They may suggest the systems that are implicated in setting the error codes, but they don't do all the work for you. Sometimes the code and its source still requires a good
knowledge of mechanics before you near a fix.