Concepts question about Redo Log Files

Could someone please explain to me the reason we must have redo log files? That is, why can't we just write committed transactions directly to the data files?

I understand the importance of multiplexing the redo log files for backup and recovery issues. I also can see how a small, sequential redo log file might be written to by Oracle, slightly faster than the actual data file. But I just don't see why, in theory, we couldn't do away with the redo log files. Someone please help explain this to me as I will not be able to sleep until I fully understand WHY!!!!!!

Paul Received on Fri Jan 03 1997 - 00:00:00 CST