Apologies for the basic questions. I've been working through the "how to use intelligent LCDs" tutorials. In this they suggest a few things that I don't understand the theory behind. I'm using the LCD as an example but I get the feeling this is something which is probably the same on any logic device.
For data pins left unused, it suggests leaving them floating. How does this differ from tying directly to one of the power rails via a resistor? And why shouldn't pins be connected directly to ground unless R/W is also tied to ground?
For pins which are tied high (with a switch to bring them low) a 4.7k resistor is used. Why is this? Is there a reason the pins cannot be connected straight to 5V? And what does a uC do differently that allows connection straight to the pin?
If the reason for this is current limiting, I guess I need to read up on the theory. If anybody can point me to suitable entry level reading I'll happily digest..!