I started in the summer but I got in working during the build season. When I started I didn't even know the difference between C and C++. Through extensive research I was able to create a kind of "master" dashboard using Visual C++ 2005. It was designed to decrease the debugging time. I also had to develop the support code on the RC to work with this application through the program port.
You can watch any 10 int values simultaneously in a list form. Just choose form two drop down lists, one picks the type of variable(pwms, analogs, D In, D out, joysticks axes, etc.) and the other one is for choosing the number, ex. pwm05, and one can watch any preprogrammed value in real time. No need to reflash just to watch a different pwm!
It also has 16 extras that can be assigned to any variable like this, e_01 = variable(reprogramming is required but its much faster that modifying multiple printfs). Call up E1 from the GUI drop down list and you get a real time stream. The RC only sends 21 bytes over the serial port every loop, yet it provides the GUI with 10 int values.
The GUI can also graph the first 2 columns, allowing one to watch the relationship between the joystick input and the pwm output as it run through his/her algorithms, for example.
Also contains a camera simulator that shows the green tracking box and red cross hair target based on the camera T packet.
Though I haven't gotten around to it yet, I am working on an "fake" OI simulator that will allow me to control the robot from the computer
It was used somewhat for debugging but the robots were never really done...