What is the function of a sandbox in software development?

The function of a sandbox in software development is primarily to isolate systems for testing and evaluation. This isolation allows developers to run code safely without the risk of affecting other systems or the production environment. Sandboxes create a controlled space where new features, updates, or experimental programming can be executed without unintended consequences related to the live environment.

By utilizing a sandbox, developers can experiment with different code snippets, libraries, or tools, ensuring that any potential errors or vulnerabilities are contained within the sandbox itself, thus protecting the overall integrity of the production infrastructure. This is critical for identifying issues and addressing them before deployment, ultimately leading to more secure and robust applications.

In contrast, other choices focus on different functionalities unrelated to the primary role of a sandbox. Enhancing production security, streamlining user experience, and optimizing database performance do not accurately represent the core purpose of a sandbox in a software development context.