sandbox

sandbox
    n 1: mold consisting of a box with sand shaped to mold metal
    2: a plaything consisting of a pile of sand or a box filled with
       sand for children to play in [syn: {sandbox}, {sandpile},
       {sandpit}]
    

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.
    

sandbox

   (UK: "sandpit")

   1. <operating system> 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. <jargon> 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. <operating system> {link farm}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2001-02-08)