Batch file programming: problem with variable

Question

SET SS_SOURCE_PROJECT = sausages
@echo SS_SOURCE_PROJECT = %SS_SOURCE_PROJECT%

This isn't working, it just outputs:

SS_SOURCE_PROJECT =

But I am expecting

SS_SOURCE_PROJECT = sausages

This is on WinXP if it matters. What obvious dumb thing am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

remove spaces:

SET SS_SOURCE_PROJECT=sausages

Yes, batch syntax is terrible.

Answer 2

To expand on @Stefan's answer, the original code works like this: (note the spaces)

C:\>SET SS_SOURCE_PROJECT = sausages

C:\>echo "%SS_SOURCE_PROJECT %"
" sausages"