[gburlison]

It appears that you can develop software only during the FIX IT window. See Section 5.3.3 Fabrication Schedule

<R17> During the “FIX-IT WINDOWS” following the shipment of the robot: During this period, all teams may
utilize one or two 5-hour FIX-IT-WINDOWS to manufacture SPARE and REPLACEMENT PARTS and
develop software for their robot at their home facility. Fabrication of UPGRADE PARTS is not permitted
during this period. The timing of these “FIX-IT WINDOWS” is at the discretion of the team, but all work
must be completed by 5:00pm on the Friday following the robot shipment deadline. Teams may manufacture
all the SPARE and REPLACEMENT parts they want, but the amount of parts they can bring to the
competition event is limited (as specified in Rule <R29>).

<R18> Prior to the competitions: After the close of the “FIX-IT WINDOWS” and prior to the competition, the
team must put down their tools, cease fabrication of robot parts, and cease all software development. Take
this opportunity to rest, recover from the build season, and relax. Teams may scout other teams, gather and
exchange information, develop game-playing strategies, collect raw materials, prepare tool kits, plan how to
make repairs, etc. in preparation for the upcoming competitions. But no construction or fabrication of any
hardware, or development of any software, is allowed.