What is the purpose of a sandbox in software development?

The purpose of a sandbox in software development is to isolate untested code changes from the production environment. This isolation allows developers to test new features, bug fixes, or other modifications in a controlled environment without risking disruption to the live application or service that users rely on. By having a dedicated space—a sandbox—developers can experiment and validate their changes, ensuring that everything works as expected before integrating it into the main codebase or deploying it to production. This helps maintain the stability and reliability of the production environment while allowing for innovation and iterative development.

In this context, the other options do not accurately capture the primary function of a sandbox. While promoting teamwork and collaboration among developers is important, it is not a direct attribute of a sandbox. Improving network security is a broader goal that encompasses various strategies, but a sandbox specifically pertains to code testing and validation processes. Similarly, while automating testing processes can be part of modern development practices, it is not the fundamental purpose of a sandbox, which primarily focuses on providing a secure area for testing code changes without affecting the operational environment.