# Why can a component patch resources defined in the overlay that includes it, when a base can't?

Kustomize, Hard (Expert), Concepts. https://k8wiz.com/uquiz/why-can-a-component-patch-resources-defined-in-the-overlay-that-includes-it-when-a-base-cant

- A. A base builds alone; a component runs against whatever includes it
- B. Bases can only contain resources, while components can contain patches
- C. Bases run after overlays, so their patches are overwritten
- D. Components are applied by kubectl, not by Kustomize

**Answer:** A base builds alone; a component runs against whatever includes it

**Explanation:** A base is a self-contained build, so its patches can only touch its own resources. A component is merged into the kustomization that lists it, so it can patch objects from the base or the overlay. That's why components suit optional features shared by several overlays.