Doubt re: interface LED with TMS320F2812 ?? Newbie question

[skn82]

hi

I'm working on TMS320F2812, a 32-bit DSP. I need to interface an a 8X1 LED with my Processor through the GPIO's of the processor. The GPIO's are connected to the LED's through a 74HC273 D-Latch.

Can anyone give me pointers on how I must go about the same ?? I have a couple of doubts :

1. My GPIO pins are wired to the D0 to D7 pins of the D-latch. The Outputs Q0 to Q7 are wired to the 8X1 LCD Board.

My confusion is :

how do i ensure connectivity of the GPIO's with pins (D0 - D7) of the latch through Software ( C- routine ) ???
i.e, Do i need to define a structure with the address of D0 - D7 so that I actually realise the connection between them through
software ??
Will appreciate if anyone can give me any pointers on how to go about the same. Any sample codes will be of immense help tooo.

thanks

skn