This is my first Arduino project so I decided to be proactive and create the topic to explain my idea to get feedback and maybe some guidance
My goal is to automate food refills to animal bowls. I’ll be creating automation for both food and water
Forgive my newbie’ness
I’m wrapping my head around what parts and components I’ll need to begin
From my understanding - the programming is done via the uno board that usb into a laptop from which the Arduino code software is compiled per your Respective projects tasks? The breadboards are the testing method then the final tested code is loaded into the controller board being used for my project?
Am I getting the big picture process correct ?
Accepted 
Hello badger0116
Welcome to the worldbest Arduino forum ever.
Your project is a "simple one" that has been done several times before.
Take a view here to get some project ideas:
Have a nice day and enjoy coding in C++.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Arduino.
Do you have any prior experience with programming and/or electronics?
Before jumping into a big project like this, it would be wise to spend some time learning the basics; eg,
Basically, it all comes down to reading "sensors" (ie, inputs), and driving "actuators" (ie, outputs).
The simplest output is an LED - so start by just blinking an LED.
Next, try sending messages to the serial port, to be viewed in the Arduino IDE's Serial Viewer.
This will be an invaluable aid to debugging as your projects grow!
The simplest input is a switch - so next try reading a switch, and getting it to control your LED and serial output...
Start by thinking of all the inputs you'll need from this system, and all the outputs you'll need to send to it.
Think generically first - eg, "something to tell when the tank is empty" - before getting into details of specific sensors or actuators.
Start with an overview, then break it down into its various parts.
Drawing diagrams really helps.
Don't leap into code too soon!
HTH.
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A twice-a-day feeder example. Arduino, real time clock and servo...
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