using set variable in copy command

Question

How can I copy a file inside a bat file using a set variable.

[run.bat]

set MY_WORKSPACE=workspace1.0.1
copy /Y /V D:\%MY_WORKSPACE%\webapp\target\app-generic.war C:\Opt\jboss-4.2.3.GA\server\default\deploy\

In above example, %MY_WORKSPACE% is invalid, however I can see the value by using 'echo'

Your syntax is absolutely correct. Both the "set", as well as the "%MY_WORKSPACE%". Q: Do you actually have a directory "d:\workspace1.0.1"? Q: What is the exact error you're getting? — paulsm4
– paulsm4, Commented Apr 18, 2012 at 7:24
Like Joey asked: Q: Is that the whole batch file you're showing us? — paulsm4
– paulsm4, Commented Apr 18, 2012 at 16:03

Joey · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-18 13:05:07Z

3

Is that the whole batch file you're showing us?

I have a vague feeling you're doing the set and copy inside an if or similar statement with a block, e.g.

if foo==bar (
  set MY_WORKSPACE=workspace1.0.1
  copy ...
)

In this case you need delayed expansion for the variable change to take effect because the block in parentheses is parsed as a single command and all variables are substituted at parse time, not when runnin a command. Therefore %MY_WORKSPACE% will be empty once the block runs.

You can solve this by using

setlocal enabledelayedexpansion

at the top of your batch file and using !MY_WORKSPACE! instead of %MY_WORKSPACE% which will expand the variable just prior to running the command, not while parsing.

answered Apr 18, 2012 at 13:05

Joey

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4 Comments

dbenham Over a year ago

+1 I believe it is more than a "vague" feeling, considering this is one of the most common root causes of problems that people have with batch files :-)

Joey Over a year ago

It's almost always the answer to »I'm setting the variable but the value doesn't get picked up by the line after it« ;-)

xbmono Over a year ago

Thanks Joey... that setlocal fixed the problem. you were right it was inside the if-block

Joey Over a year ago

Mwahaha! Once again my psychic powers save the day!

Siva Charan · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-18 12:59:01Z

0

Try this way:

set MY_WORKSPACE="workspace1.0.1"

edited Apr 18, 2012 at 12:59

user142162

answered Apr 18, 2012 at 7:22

Siva Charan

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