sandbox: n.

(also ‘sandbox, the’)

1. Common term for the R&D department at many software and computer companies (where hackers in commercial environments are likely to be found). Half-derisive, but reflects the truth that research is a form of creative play. Compare playpen.

2. Syn. link farm.

3. A controlled environment within which potentially dangerous programs are run. Used esp. in reference to Java implementations.

4. A checked-out copy of a source tree, on which one may safely perform builds without interfereing with others.