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.