The Sequence Engineering #666: An Intro to AI Code Sandbox Environments
A must have tool in AI applications.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence—particularly the rise of large language models (LLMs) capable of generating and executing code—has introduced a new class of challenges for developers and infrastructure providers. While these systems can write and debug software, analyze repositories, and generate full applications, they require an environment where the resulting code can be executed safely, efficiently, and reproducibly. Running untrusted, AI-generated code directly on host machines is a recipe for disaster. To address this, a new wave of AI-focused sandbox environments has emerged. These systems offer secure, fast, and scalable execution for agentic workflows, providing a foundational layer for the next generation of AI-driven development. This essay explores the key platforms in this space, focusing on E2B, Daytona, Modal, and CodeSandbox, and unpacks their architecture, features, and benefits.