CodeSandbox

What is CodeSandbox?

CodeSandbox is a cloud web editor launched in 2017 by Ives van Hoorne and Bas Buursma that provides instant development environments for web application projects. The platform offers two main environment types: Sandboxes for quick prototyping and Devboxes (formerly Cloud Sandboxes) for full-scale projects, both running on microVMs that spin up in just 1.5 seconds. It supports various frameworks and languages including React, Vue, Angular, TypeScript, Node.js, and more, with features like live reloading, hot module replacement, code formatting, testing, debugging, and deployment. CodeSandbox integrates seamlessly with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, and allows real-time collaboration where multiple developers can code together simultaneously. The platform is completely free for personal use and offers team pricing plans, with over 45 million sandboxes created to date. CodeSandbox is SOC 2 Type II compliant, ensuring enterprise-grade security while making web development more accessible and hassle-free.

How to use CodeSandbox?

To use CodeSandbox, start by visiting the website and choosing your coding adventure: create a Sandbox for quick sketches and prototypes or a Devbox for larger projects requiring full development capabilities. You can create sandboxes from scratch, use available templates, or import projects directly from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket repositories. Once your environment spins up in 1.5 seconds, use the built-in VS Code-based editor with features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and linting to write your code. You can invite teammates to collaborate in real-time, share your project via a unique URL, use the terminal and debugger for advanced development, install any npm package, and deploy your application to hosting providers like Netlify, Vercel, or Firebase directly from the platform.

CodeSandbox's Core Features

• Instant cloud development environments that spin up in 1.5 seconds using microVMs and memory snapshotting.

• Two environment types: Sandboxes for quick prototyping and Devboxes for full-scale projects with advanced features.

• Real-time collaboration allowing multiple developers to code together simultaneously on the same project.

• Seamless GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket integration with automatic Devbox provisioning for every branch.

• Built-in VS Code editor with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, linting, code formatting, and debugging tools.

• Support for multiple frameworks and languages including React, Vue, Angular, TypeScript, Node.js, and Svelte.

• Live preview functionality with hot module replacement and live reloading for instant feedback.

• One-click deployment integration with Netlify, Vercel, Firebase, and other hosting providers.

• Ability to convert Sandboxes to Devboxes seamlessly when projects grow in complexity.

• Access to millions of npm packages for building powerful applications.

• SOC 2 Type II compliance ensuring enterprise-grade security and data protection.

• Cross-device accessibility allowing development from browsers, VS Code, or iOS devices.

• Built-in terminal, console, and debugger for comprehensive development workflows.

• AI-powered features and streamed terminals for enhanced productivity.

• Easy project sharing through unique URLs, embeds, or GitHub exports.

CodeSandbox's Use Cases

• #1

  Rapid prototyping of web applications and UI components

• #2

  Creating bug reproduction cases to share with development teams

• #3

  Real-time collaborative coding sessions with remote team members

• #4

  Building educational coding examples and interactive tutorials

• #5

  Testing and experimenting with new frameworks and libraries without local setup

• #6

  Conducting faster PR reviews with instant branch previews

• #7

  Sharing code snippets and projects through embeddable sandboxes on websites or blogs

• #8

  Developing full-scale web applications with GitHub integration

• #9

  Learning web development without complex environment configuration

• #10

  Creating portfolio projects accessible from any device