Safely Deleting Components in SitecoreAI with a Custom Component Toolkit

Introduction

In the SitecoreAI Component Toolkit, we previously explored how to safely move and refactor components without breaking dependencies.

In this blog, I’m extending the toolkit further by introducing a new module focused on completely deleting a component from the site — ensuring all references, configurations, and dependencies are cleanly removed without leaving behind broken or orphaned elements.

Deleting a component in SitecoreAI is not just a delete action — it’s a dependency management challenge.

In SXA Headless environments, a single rendering can be referenced across multiple layers:

• Partial Designs
• Page Template Standard Values
• Pages
• SXA configurations
• Available Renderings
• Branch templates

Deleting it directly often results in:

❌ Broken layouts
❌ “Unknown rendering” errors
❌ Hidden configuration issues

To solve this, I built a Delete Component feature as part of a custom Component Toolkit — designed specifically for safe and complete removal.

GitHub Repository: SitecoreAI-Component-Toolkit

Step 1: Creating a Component

We start by creating a rendering (Promo D) using Sitecore’s derivative rendering flow.

This automatically provisions:

• Rendering definition
• Datasource template
• Supporting configuration

Step 2: Component Structure

The component is organized under the Feature layer following Helix principles.

Step 3: SXA Configuration

SXA automatically wires:

• Data item creation rules
• Rendering availability in the site

Step 4: Associated Templates

Behind the scenes, multiple templates are created:

• Datasource Template
• Folder Template
• Rendering Parameters

Step 5: Available Renderings Registration

The component is registered so authors can use it within pages.

Step 6: Usage in Standard Values

The component is configured in:

👉 Page Template → Standard Values

This means it automatically appears across pages using that template.

Step 7: Usage in Partial Designs

It is also used in:

👉 Partial Designs (e.g., Footer)

This makes it globally reusable across multiple pages.

The Real Challenge

At this point, the component is deeply integrated.

Deleting it directly would:

• Break Partial Designs
• Break Standard Values
• Affect multiple pages
• Leave behind orphaned configurations

Step 8: Delete Component (Component Toolkit)

To address this, a custom option was introduced:

👉 Component Toolkit → Delete Component

This provides a controlled deletion workflow.

Step 9: Smart Usage Detection

Before deletion, the system detects all dependencies and shows:

• Partial Designs using the component
• Standard Values using the component
• Any other references

This ensures full visibility before action.

Step 10: Safe Cleanup Process

Instead of direct deletion, the system performs a safe cleanup workflow:

• Removes component references from layouts
• Cleans Partial Designs
• Cleans Standard Values
• Updates SXA configurations
• Removes availability references

Only after everything is clean → deletion proceeds.

Step 11: Confirmation

A confirmation ensures the Detect Dependency successfully:

👉 Get link references
👉 List used renderings

Step 12: Final Deletion

Once all dependencies are removed:

• Templates are cleaned
• SXA configurations are removed
• Rendering is deleted safely

Explore the Toolkit

This Delete Component feature is part of a broader toolkit designed to simplify component lifecycle management in Sitecore SitecoreAI.

👉 GitHub Repository:
 https://github.com/dhruvil9033/sitecoreai-component-toolkit
 
 If this helps you:

• ⭐ Star the repository
• Share with the Sitecore community
• Contribute improvements

Why This Matters in SitecoreAI

In SitecoreAI:

• Headless architecture increases dependency spread
• SXA introduces implicit configurations
• Multi-site setups increase complexity

👉 A safe deletion mechanism becomes essential.

Final Thoughts

This solution was built to address real-world challenges:

• Broken layouts after deletion
• Hidden dependencies in SXA
• Inconsistent behavior across environments

Now, with a structured approach:

✔ Safe deletion
 ✔ Complete cleanup
 ✔ Reusable toolkit

If you’re working with SitecoreAI + SXA Headless, this approach will help you avoid critical issues during component lifecycle management.

Dhruvil Gajera || Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer – SitecoreAI & XM Cloud

Dhruvil is a Sitecore professional with 4+ years of experience specializing in SitecoreAI, XM Cloud, Sitecore XP, and SXA. He builds scalable, headless, and AI-enabled digital experience platforms using .NET, Next.js, and modern DevOps practices.

With hands-on expertise in multisite architecture, component-driven development, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments, Dhruvil focuses on delivering high-performance, enterprise-ready CMS solutions aligned with composable DXP strategies.