When creating a new content component with sections identical to a previous component, what is the best approach?

When creating a new content component that shares identical sections with a previous component, the best approach is to extend the previous component. This practice promotes reusability and efficiency within the AEM environment. By extending an existing component, you can inherit all the configurations, functionality, and design of the previous component, while also making any necessary modifications to cater to the specific needs of the new component.

Extending allows for consistency across components, as any updates made to the original component can automatically propagate to the extended versions, ensuring that changes are manageable and efficient. It also simplifies maintenance, as you are not duplicating code or content unnecessarily, which can lead to difficulties in managing content changes in multiple locations.

Using this method aligns with best practices in component-based architecture, where leveraging existing resources minimizes redundancy and encourages a more structured approach to content management within AEM.