What is the primary purpose of a sandbox in software testing?

The primary purpose of a sandbox in software testing is to isolate code testing safely. A sandbox provides a controlled environment where developers can test new code, applications, or features without risking interference with other systems or production environments. This isolation ensures that any potential issues, such as bugs or security vulnerabilities, do not affect the overall integrity of other software or the operating system.

In a sandbox, code can be executed and manipulated, allowing for safe experimentation. If the code behaves unexpectedly or leads to failures, this will not impact the real-world applications or data outside the sandbox. This makes it an invaluable tool for developers and testers who are looking to safely evaluate and iterate on their software without the risk of disrupting critical services or compromising security.

Other options, although they mention relevant concepts, do not directly align with the core function of a sandbox. Enhancing performance of production systems or increasing software compatibility does not relate to the essential purpose of providing a safe testing space. Minimizing resource use is typically a consideration, but it is not the primary goal of setting up a sandbox environment.