What will scanning the codes tell me?

[Chboro]

I am new to Boxster ownership. I am curious as to what information I can get from having the OBC scanned for codes. Will it tell me if and how many times the engine has been redlined. I am mostly curious about that. Other code history I'm sure would be helpful as well. I am considering the purchase of a scanner. From what I've read here, it would probably pay for itself with the 1st or 2nd scan. Just looking for information on what it will actually tell me. History??