Rooks and open files

I notice that when I analyse my games using an engine, he often proposes to put my rooks on open files. 

In certain cases, he even prefers this above attacking other pieces. 

I just want to have some confirmation on why this is so important because usually I don't think about these moves. 

I want to understand this so in future games I can evaluate these moves. 

So, I was trying to analyse the benefits of the rooks on open files and I notice it's a pretty good map control. You basically control all the squares on the file which is quite powerful and when I notice the advantage I think I understand why my computer proposes these moves. 

Is this the correct reason behind these moves? 
Is it also better to control the d and e file compared to the outer files?  

As you said, you control space by controlling the open files.

There are at least 10 different lessons on files in Chess Mentor.  I suggest you try one or more of them.

Because than they need to go back and I can gain some space.

Now that i think about it... They also might defend instead of going back which might help them more than I want... 

That makes sense. I notice that I don't think enough about my moves. Often I find myself in a difficult position because I didn't thought my previous move through. 

I'm trying to anticipate my opponent but it's difficult :) Sometimes I just miss pieces... Somehow my brain convinces me it's a great move and ignores the threat.