They are ideal due to the large bearing surface under the head. They are hardened and have self taping threads which make them ideal for attaching anything to metal. These screws are the newest on the market, they come in all the drive types as tapered screws except slotted. The threads on production screws eliminate the need to predrill, also they are a lot less prone to breakage as compared to drywall screws. Production screws usually have self-sinking heads and wood cutting threads.
Screws come in a variety of metals and coatings.
It all depends on the project you are doing as to what type of metal or coating you should use. Always consider the down the road thought as to if maybe the project will wind up outside or if it will stay indoors primarily. If its a project for the outdoors then naturally you would want a galvanized, stainless steel, or aluminum so as the screws will not be prone to rust. The same goes for inside where you can use zinc, bronze or brass, or you could use the exterior, but take in consideration the extra expense on these screws. I hope this helps you better understand screws used in the woodworking world.