Sandbox Mock vs Production. Differences

Sandbox Mock

Description:
A test environment that emulates the responses of a real environment using simulated data (mocks).

Features:
Interactions do not involve real environments; the data and responses are fake or predefined.
Used for preliminary testing before the final Sandbox development, especially when real systems are unavailable.
Allows basic integration testing.

Advantages:
Quick to set up, as it does not require access to real databases or external systems.
Highly controlled: you can simulate specific responses, including errors.

Usage:
Simulate an external API or a service that has not yet been developed.
Isolate functionalities during testing.

Production Sandbox

Description:
An environment that uses real production components and systems but is configured for specific tests without affecting end users.

Features:
Accesses real systems but in a limited or controlled way.
Can operate in real-time with real data, though it is often anonymized or restricted.
Used for final testing before releases.

Advantages:
Ensures behavior is identical to the production environment.
Ideal for user acceptance testing or performance validation.

Risks:
If not properly configured, there is a risk of impacting production systems or exposing sensitive data.

Usage:
Test live configurations, such as changes to critical systems or final integrations.