What type of environment is specifically designed to test and run software, including legacy applications?

A virtual sandbox is a controlled environment that allows developers and testers to run software applications without affecting the main system or other applications. This type of environment is particularly useful for testing software, including legacy applications, as it isolates the software from the actual production environment. This isolation helps ensure that any issues, bugs, or incompatibilities can be identified and resolved without risking system stability or data integrity.

In a virtual sandbox, modifications can be made and changes can be tested extensively. Once testing is complete and the software behaves as expected, it can then be moved to a staging area or directly into the production environment. This process prevents potential disruptions to users and allows for thorough testing of code, features, and performance.

The other environments listed serve different purposes: development servers are primarily focused on writing and developing new code; production environments run live applications for end-users; and staging areas are used to test the entire application before it goes live, often mirroring the production environment but not specifically designed for running older or legacy applications like a virtual sandbox.