Thin layer chromatography

[ovidius]

Hello. I need a little help. For what purpose is thin layer chromatography good? I read that its the method to separate compounds. But for what purpose? only to detect which compounds are present in a mixture or to separate this mixture like by destilation or krystalization? From what i read i got that it is only used for detection. Please dont explain me what destilation and crystalization is. I know it.
Any help would be great. Thanks