---
sourceDocument: Zurich Build or modify applications
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/application-development

 Release :

    - zurich

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Zurich Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Developer Sandboxes

# Developer Sandboxes {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Zurich  
Updated October 27, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Developer Sandboxes are isolated development environments on a shared instance. Delegated developers use them to build and merge changes in parallel, and admins request and manage them.

## Overview video {#sandboxes-landing__section_eqx_dlw_53c}

The video explains that Developer Sandboxes are isolated development environments and describes the benefits of that isolation. It also covers the following topics:

* Basic overview of sandbox benefits and metadata
* Roles for working with sandboxes
* Parallel development
* Sandbox lifecycle, including allocating and retiring sandboxes
* Tasks that developers can do in a sandbox
* Updates pushed with Git or update sets
* Sandbox drift and the base instance configuration
{#sandboxes-landing__ul_dsb_video_topics}

## About Developer Sandboxes {#sandboxes-landing__dsb-about}

Use Developer Sandboxes to create isolated development environments where users can develop on the ServiceNow AI Platform in parallel. Sandboxes are temporary because they drift from the base instance configuration the longer they exist. Sandboxes support Git-based workflows of the software development life cycle and help
reduce conflicts.  
Note:  
Developer Sandboxes is in general availability for Zurich. Developer Sandboxes has limited availability for Xanadu and Yokohama, though a general guideline is to use it in Yokohama or above.  
Use Developer Sandboxes to do the following:

* Provision isolated development environments on demand
* Align workspaces to specific stories, developers, test plans, or any custom criteria
* Enable true parallel development with controlled, independent environments
{#sandboxes-landing__ul_ah1_5wj_hgc}  
Note:  
Cloning and upgrading an instance removes all sandboxes from the instance. For details, see [Cloning and upgrading considerations for Developer Sandboxes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/P2K5jntV1hKYPg86E~PtvQ "You should understand how plugins and sandboxes work before you clone or upgrade an instance with Developer Sandboxes. Always back up your work in a sandbox before any clone or upgrade, either by exporting the update sets or committing to source control.").  
Note:  
If your instance is in a regulated environment, check with ServiceNow Support for more information about support for Developer Sandboxes.

## Get started {#sandboxes-landing__cf-app-landing-get-started}

|-|-|
| [ExploreLearn how Developer Sandboxes isolate changes and who uses them.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/D7wwdN3cAQ53usbGdlrDZA "Developer Sandboxes enable delegated developers and admins to request, access, and manage individual sandbox environments on top of the same underlying development instance.") | [Clone and upgradeLearn what happens to sandboxes and saved work when you clone or upgrade an instance.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/P2K5jntV1hKYPg86E~PtvQ "You should understand how plugins and sandboxes work before you clone or upgrade an instance with Developer Sandboxes. Always back up your work in a sandbox before any clone or upgrade, either by exporting the update sets or committing to source control.") |
| [Install and configureSet up Developer Sandboxes for your instance.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/zF3921aeUydho_svlFnclg "Developer Sandboxes installation and configuration covers Developer Sandboxes on your instance. Review entitlements, install the plugins, assign licenses, and look up the roles, tables, and properties that control how sandboxes work.") | [AdministerRequest, allocate, and manage sandboxes for developers.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/cBK50cthbM3XuHVBWdd1tg "If you have permission, you can allocate and retire the sandboxes you've created in your instance.") |
[ ]

{#sandboxes-landing__table_bcm_2pm_bcc}

## Troubleshoot and get help {#sandboxes-landing__cf-app-landing-get-help}

* [Ask questions and explore other resources for Developer Sandboxes in the ServiceNow Community](https://www.servicenow.com/community/)
* [Search the Known Error Portal for known error articles \[KB0597477\]](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0597477)
* [See the Developer Sandboxes FAQ and getting started guide](https://www.servicenow.com/community/app-engine-blog/developer-sandboxes-faq-and-getting-started-guide/ba-p/3433961)
* [Take the Developer Sandboxes Basics class on ServiceNow University](https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/app-engine/developer-sandbox-basics-english-zurich?id=learning_course_prev&course_id=4bc515cf97047a503845f3f0f053af16&s=1&ssa=3)
* [Read a Community blog post about Developer Sandboxes](https://www.servicenow.com/community/app-engine-blog/zurich-release-brings-app-dev-to-the-beach/ba-p/3339173)
* [Watch a YouTube video demo of merging changes in Git](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmzU7HYlV-g)
* [Contact Customer Service and Support](https://support.servicenow.com/now)
{#sandboxes-landing__ul_gcm_2pm_bcc}