# In a strategic merge patch, what does $patch: replace inside a container's resources map do?

Kustomize, Hard (Expert), Mutation. https://k8wiz.com/uquiz/in-a-strategic-merge-patch-what-does-patch-replace-inside-a-containers-resources-map-do

- A. Replaces only the keys the patch lists and keeps all of the other keys as they were
- B. Makes the patch's map the whole value, dropping keys the patch leaves out
- C. Deletes the resources map from the container
- D. Moves the resources map to the end of the container

**Answer:** Makes the patch's map the whole value, dropping keys the patch leaves out

**Explanation:** Strategic merge normally merges maps key by key, so leaving out limits.memory in a patch doesn't remove it. $patch: replace makes the patch's map the full value, and $patch: delete removes it.