sandbox

[sand-boks] /ˈsændˌbɒks/
noun
1.
a box or receptacle for holding sand, especially one large enough for children to play in.
Origin
1565-75; sand + box1
Examples from the web for sandbox
  • Finally, the emptied basin of what used to be a fountain had turned into something resembling a septic sandbox.
  • Determining data usage by the sandbox and other features.
British Dictionary definitions for sandbox

sandbox

/ˈsændˌbɒks/
noun
1.
a container on a railway locomotive from which sand is released onto the rails to assist the traction
2.
a box with sand shaped for moulding metal
3.
a container of sand for small children to play in
4.
(computing) a protected environment in which an untrusted program may be run without affecting other parts of the system
Word Origin and History for sandbox
n.

also sand-box, 1570s as an instrument to sprinkle sand, from sand (n.) + box (n.1). From 1680s as "a box holding sand;" 1891 as a low-sided sand pit for children's play.

sandbox in Technology


(UK: "sandpit")
1. A protected, limited environment where applications (e.g. Java programs downloaded from the Internet) are allowed to "play" without risking damage to the rest of the system.
2. A term for the R&D department at many software and computer companies (where hackers in commercial environments are likely to be found). The term is half-derisive, but reflects the truth that research is a form of creative play.
Compare playpen.
3. link farm.
[Jargon File]
(2001-02-08)