Definition
A testbed is a platform for conducting rigorous, transparent, and replicable testing of scientific theories, computing tools, and new technologies.
The term is used across many disciplines to describe experimental research and new product development platforms and environments. A testbed is mostly used for:
- hands-on prototype development in manufacturing industries (such as automobiles, aircraft engines or systems)
- intellectual property refinement in such fields as computer software development
In software development, testbedding is a method of testing a particular module (function, class, or library) in an isolated fashion. It may be used as a proof of concept or when a new module is tested apart from the program or system it will later be added to.
- A skeleton framework is implemented around the module so that the module behaves as if already part of the larger program.
See also sandbox environment