Log for debug purposes

I don't repeat here what is written there[1]. I found trice library and I find it interesting to emit log messages for debug purposes, avoiding printf execution on the target.
What I don't like is patching my code before compiling. This step delays the build process and could mess up the repository, even if is simple to un-patch the code before committing.
Do you apply other strategies?
I'm thinking to introduce this type of log in one of my application where the firmware runs on an embedded platform indirectly connected to Internet. I mean the main MCU is connected to another Internet-connected device by a RS485 bus.
It could be very useful to receive logs from the main MCU through Internet.
[1] https://github.com/rokath/trice