The rules are simple - instead of open a new thread for a short and simple question,
Interesting idea, the only concern I have is getting short answers...you'll notice on this forum that you'll get 20 answers, several repeating what's already been said.
If I am secure with my passphrase is there a need to also secure a copy of wallet.dat? I'm a noob, just reading up on all this for the past several days.
Created a coinbase account and a bitcoin wallet on my android phone.
Sent coin to the phone.
No clue where to locate wallet.dat.
I read somewhere that your phrase IS your coin.... don't understand why I'd need the .dat file.
If you have a wallet.dat file, YES you need to back it up...in multiple locations with independent security. Anyone taking that file will have taken the bitcoin with in it.
If you're using Coinbase you won't get or need a wallet.dat file. Coinbase doesn't give you your private keys. Coinbase is a bank, you have an account, they have the bitcoin wallet, and they keep record of how much they owe you. There are convenience benefits to Coinbase and theoretical security disadvantages,