I am a software developer trying to understand how computers work at a lower level.
I have managed to create a few simple circuits, one which lights up an LED. I have noticed that all the instructions advise you to connect the components in a certain way. Please have a look at the circuit here. The LED is connected to column E and column F. Why can't you just connect the LED to G7 and H7 and the black cable to F7? Why does the LED plug in across the gap?
I seem to remember something about this from school. I have checked my GCSE textbook and also two textbooks which I am working through. I have also Googled it but I cannot find an answer and hence the reason for this very basic question.