# Files and terminals

The Workspace combines a project-aware editor with terminals that run inside the same sandbox as its preview.

## Work with files

Use the file explorer to open, create, rename, move, and delete project files. Search across the project before making a broad change, and use the diff view to review generated or automated edits.

Files remain with the sandbox according to its retention policy. Commit changes to Git when they need a durable history or must be shared with another environment.

## Run commands

Open a terminal for interactive work such as Artisan commands, test filters, package scripts, and Git operations. The terminal inherits the sandbox working directory and environment.

Long-running processes belong in `.phpsandbox/setup.json` tasks or the configured start command, where PHPSandbox can supervise them and expose their logs.

## Avoid common failures

- Do not start a second server on a port already used by a task.
- Bind preview servers to `0.0.0.0`.
- Stop abandoned development processes before retrying.
- Put credentials in environment or secret controls, not shell history or source files.

For repeatable project commands, see [Project setup](/docs/concepts/project-setup).