# Setting a binding

A binding is a top level WSDL object that provides a concrete specification regarding the transmission of messages to and from a web service. A binding references exactly one port type. The structure of a binding corresponds very closely to that of the port type. The binding contains extensibility elements (for example, soap, http, and mime) that specify protocol specific details. Each port within a service references exactly one binding.

You can create a new binding, reuse an existing one, or import one.

Parent topic: Editing WSDL files

## Creating a new binding

To create a new binding for your port, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, right-click your port and click Set Binding.
2. Select the Create a new binding radio button.
3. Type the name of the binding in Name field. The name should be unique among all bindings defined within the enclosing WSDL document. Click Finish.
4. In order to see the binding you need to ensure the hide/show binding button is toggled so that bindings are showing.
5. A Port Type is a named set of abstract operations and the abstract messages involved. You can either create a new port type for your binding, reuse an existing one, or import one. Refer to the related tasks for more details.
6. Type any information about the binding you want the user to read in the Documentation field.

Tip: You can also create a new binding for your port using the Outline view.

## Reusing a binding for a port

To reuse a binding for your port, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, select your port.
2. From the Binding drop down list, select the binding you want to use.

## Regenerating a binding

To regenerate a binding:

1. Right-click the binding you want to regenerate.
2. Select Generate Binding Content.
3. Specify an required binding information. If you are modifying an existing binding, ensure that you select Overwrite existing binding information.

## Import an existing binding

To import an existing binding for your port, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, right-click your port and click Set Binding.
2. Click the Import binding from a file check box. Click Browse.
3. Select the file that contains the binding you want to use. Click OK.

Related concepts
Editing WSDL files with the WSDL Editor

Related tasks
Creating a new WSDL file
Editing WSDL files

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