To oversimplify a lot. An inductor or coil "Borrows" some current to make a magnetic field. When the magnetic field stops you get the current back.
Sometimes this is used to store current for a short time, or make a delay or change a phase. Sometimes the maximum speed the coil can change current at is used to "Choke" the current from spiking.
Sometimes its the magnetic field we want to use directly. In motors, solenoids and servos etc. This is the main way the convert electrical power to mechanical work.
Or sometime we use the magnetic feild to make electricity again at different values. Or simply so two things are not connected by conductors directly. like with wireless power transmission or an isolation transformer..
We can also use this side of the effect for magnetic amplification, data storage, computing and all sorts of other things.
Its impossible to describe a typical coil. because there are many different ones that do different jobs.
Its like asking someone what are things with wheels for. You could get 100 different answers. All would be correct but none complete. If you want a clear answer you have to ask a clear question.
I have been studying coils and inductors for 4 years now. I still have more to learn than what I have already learned. Not even close to halfway. Each new discovery brings about many new questions.
If you want to know more spend some hours reading online. Then do some experimenting to confirm the theory. Rinse and repeat. One application/part at a time