# A strategic merge patch lists one container with a new image. What happens to the base's other containers?

Kustomize, Medium (Advanced), Mutation. https://k8wiz.com/uquiz/a-strategic-merge-patch-lists-one-container-with-a-new-image-what-happens-to-the-bases-other-containers

- A. They are removed, because the patch's list replaces the base's
- B. They stay as they are, because containers are merged by name
- C. The patch's container is appended as an extra container
- D. The build fails, because lists need a JSON patch

**Answer:** They stay as they are, because containers are merged by name

**Explanation:** Strategic merge patches know that containers are keyed by name, so a patch with name: app and a new image only changes that container. A JSON 6902 patch addresses list items by index instead, which breaks when the order changes.