Sandbox
Definition
The Sandbox, or sometimes also referred to as User Sandbox is a core component provides the computational power for an user. It is the environment in the platform where all Platform Requests (e.g. execution of Functions or Models) from the user are handled and processed. Technically, it can be seen as a enclosed virtual machine with dedicated computational power and resources. It is always started anew when a user executes a Platform Request and is destroyed after a defined lifetime.
Additional Information
Executes all operations and computations only for a user. So in case of several users are working in parallel there are several sandboxes running and alive. However, the sandboxes are dedicated and enclosed this means, no user can access the sandbox of another user and also the computational power is dedicated for the specific user. Currently it is 1 GB RAM.
The dedicated RAM for a sandbox is also the maximum size for individual platform requests. In case of larger requests, the sandox sizes must be configured differently by the VDP Team.
It also retains cached data during active sessions. The session duration begins with the user's initiation of the first platform request, leading to the creation of its dedicated sandbox. This typically completes in less than one second, though it may contribute to the slightly longer duration of the first request compared to subsequent ones. The sandbox is terminated and entirely erased in the absence of user activity during a specific time frame, referred to as idle time, currently set to 10 minutes. This not only enhances security but, coupled with the feature of processing everything in memory, ensures complete virtuality without storing data elsewhere.
User Sandboxes do not need to be created or maintained by the user or customer. Everything happens fully automatically in the platform. However, there are statistics and overviews in the Portal's Dashboard, e.g., realtime usage statistics can be found in the Portal's Dashboard under 'My Sandbox', and a list of currently running sandboxes is provided in the Portal's menu under Sandboxes.
Security and Stability Considerations
The Sandbox prioritizes robust security and stability, adhering to key principles of data rights and governance. Accessibility is restricted solely to the user who initiates the sandbox, ensuring comprehensive control over the data within. Crucially, data is not persistently stored elsewhere; it exists solely in memory during active sessions, mitigating the risk of duplication and enhancing data integrity. The platform's stability is further reinforced by limiting computational power within the sandbox. In instances where a user initiates requests of considerable size, the impact is confined to their sandbox, shielding other users from potential disruptions. This deliberate limitation on computational power safeguards the overall stability of the platform, fostering a secure and reliable environment for users.