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Sandbox core concepts
A sandbox is an isolated copy of the production environment used for configuration development, testing, training, and pre-release validation.
WARNING
This article abstracts sandbox concepts based on Salesforce Help. The copy scope, refresh rules, and login policies supported by sandboxes require manual review.
Business value
A sandbox lets you validate configuration in a low-risk environment.
Operations you perform in a sandbox do not affect the production environment. Later changes in the production environment do not automatically sync to an existing sandbox.
Core concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Production environment | The environment that hosts real business operations |
| Sandbox environment | An isolated environment copied from the production environment or another related environment |
| Source environment | The environment used to create or copy a sandbox |
| Target environment | The environment that receives change sets and performs validation and deployment |
| Metadata | Configuration items in the enterprise management menu, such as objects, fields, layouts, permissions, and flows |
| Business data | Operational data such as accounts, contacts, and orders |
How it works
When you create a sandbox, the system copies the configuration from the source environment. Different sandbox types copy different data scopes.
A Development Sandbox usually copies configuration only. A Partial Copy Sandbox copies configuration and part of the business data. A Full Sandbox copies configuration and all business data.
After a sandbox is created, it is independent of the production environment. To sync later changes, you must refresh, copy, or deploy.
Environment isolation rules
A sandbox environment is a copy of the production environment. Creating a sandbox copies the current production environment's system configuration, such as custom development content and permission configurations.
Except for Development Sandboxes, a sandbox can also include business data. Sandbox and production environments are fully independent. Any operation in a sandbox does not affect the production environment, and any change in the production environment does not automatically sync to the sandbox.
Copied content
| Sandbox type | System configuration | Business data | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Sandbox | Copied | Not copied | Suitable for development and unit testing |
| Partial Copy Sandbox | Copied | Copies specified business data from selected objects | Suitable for user acceptance testing, integration testing, and training |
| Full Sandbox | Copied | Copies all business data | Suitable for complete business validation |
Common scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Configuration development | Use a Development Sandbox |
| Unit testing | Use a Development Sandbox |
| User acceptance testing | Use a Partial Copy Sandbox |
| Integration testing | Use a Partial Copy Sandbox |
| Training drills | Use a Partial Copy or Full Sandbox |
| Release rehearsal | Use a Full Sandbox |