# Component Type

A **component type** is a blueprint for a component that describes the type of entity the component refers to. In Akamas, a component needs to be associated with a **component type**, from which the component inherits its metrics and parameters.

Component types are platform entities (i.e.: shared among all the users) usually provided off the shelf and shipped within the [Optimization Packs](/akamas-docs/reference/glossary/optimization-pack.md). Typically, different component types within the same optimization pack are used to model different versions/releases of the same technology.

Akamas' users with appropriate privileges can create custom component types and optimization packs, as described on the [Creating custom optimization pack](/akamas-docs/knowledge-base/creating-custom-optimization-packs.md) page.

## Construct

A component type is described by the following mandatory properties (other properties can be defined but are not mandatory):

* a **name** that uniquely identifies the component type within the system
* a **description** that clarifies what the component type refers to
* a **parameter** definitions array (more on Parameters later)
* a **metrics** array (more on Metrics later)

The construct to be used to define a component type is described on the [Component type template](/akamas-docs/reference/construct-templates/component-types-template.md) page.

## Commands

A component type is an [Akamas resource](/akamas-docs/reference/cli-reference.md#clireference-operations) that can be managed via CLI using the [resource management commands.](/akamas-docs/reference/cli-reference/resource-management.md)

## User Interface

When visualizing system components the component type is displayed.

The following figure shows the out-of-the-box JVM component types related to the JVM optimization pack.

<figure><img src="/files/ZQUdHHmFtJKwcK2BVySc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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