Development Server
The following aspects have dedicated spaces on our cms-devl.bu.edu server.
Sandboxes
A sandbox is an isolated development space where designers and developers can safely code, test new themes, and debug before deployment and without disrupting staging or live websites.
Example: id-presents.cms-devl.bu.edu/met or id-rj.cms-devl.bu.edu/met-qa are considered Development sites testing BU’s Metropolitan College site.
Common Sandboxes
id-presents
The ID Presents Sandbox is used for client presentations when staging [www-staging.bu.edu/{website-project}] is unsuitable. It should be the default for client reviews unless development could impact content. Clone from staging to id-presents for presentations by Lead Designers, Developers, and Creative Directors.
id-presents.cms-devl.bu.edu/{website-project}
This sandbox is for presenting, not for individual development work.
All id-presents Sandbox Sites
(WP Login Required)
id-editorial
The ID Editorial Sandbox features a clone of the BU Home Page, including Bostonia, BU Today, and The Brink. Designers and Devs utilize it for r-editorial work, namely testing BU Prepress and BU Blocks. Cloning from it takes about 1.25 hours — media files and .htaccess configuration add to the time.
id-editorial.cms-devl.bu.edu/{website-project}
id-user
Personal sandboxes, named by user, allow Interactive Design team members to work independently on coding and experimentation. They provide:
Benefits:
- Separate space for individual work.
- No team disruption or overwriting code.
- Personal customization options.
- Ownership over themes.
Drawbacks:
- Requires technical understanding of WordPress Network Admin for maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Sandbox owners must maintain sites and storage size.
- More sandboxes mean increased demand for developer support.
id-{your-name}.cms-devl.bu.edu
Get Your Sandbox
Server Support
If any server is ever unreachable and WordPress is lagging, giving getting 504 errors, clone tool is broken or media is not loading: we encourage all users to make it known to @istweb in the #webteam Slack channel, following up by filing a ticket with IS&T.