If a port pin is unused, it may be left unconnected but configured as an output pin driving to either state (high or low), or it may be configured as an input with an external resistor (about 10 kΩ) pulling it to Vdd or Vss. If configured as an input, only the pin input leakage current will be drawn through the pin (the same current would flow if the pin was connected directly to Vdd or Vss). Both options allow the pin to be used later for either input or output without significant hardware modifications.