What type of component can be affected by destructive changes?

Destructive changes primarily refer to actions that permanently remove or alter existing components in a manner that cannot be easily undone. In the context of version control and repository management, components that are designated for deletion are particularly vulnerable to destructive changes because they involve erasing data from the system. This means that once a component is flagged for deletion and the change is implemented, the item is removed from the repository altogether, which can lead to loss of functionality or data integrity if not handled properly.

While components requiring updates can certainly be affected by changes, updates typically involve adding functionality or correcting issues without necessarily removing components. Additionally, components that are not linked to user stories may still exist and can be updated or deleted separately, but will not be impacted by destructive change processes until an explicit action is taken, such as deletion. Lastly, stating that all components in the repository can be affected by destructive changes is too broad, as some components may be untouched while others undergo changes or deletions.

In summary, the most logical choice regarding the type of component that can be affected by destructive changes focuses specifically on those designated for deletion, as these are the components that inherently face risk of permanent removal and loss.