For embedded work, I've found great value in being able to observe and manipulate running systems without interrupting code execution. A non-blocking console bu

For embedded work, I've found great value in being able to observe and manipulate running systems without interrupting code execution. A non-blocking console buffer is very handy, but even more so is instrumentation for periodically sampling arbitrary variables cooperatively / in synch with program execution. When you're making a 50KW motor spin under PID control, a debugger breakpoint can cause a lot of real damage.