variable was unexpected at this time - batch-file

Question

I'm not very familiar with BAT files but I have a file that runs a sqlplus query, returns the row count, and if it is greater than 0, run another bat file. I feel like I'm almost there but I keep getting this error:
%%a was unexpected at this time
#echo off
for /f "delims=" %%a in (
'sqlplus USER/PASS#OMP1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL'
) do set rowcount=%%a
if %ROWCOUNT% GTR 0 (
c:\SQLTRIGGERS\VoiceBlkAutoationBAT.bat
)
when I run the above, I get this as a reponse:
#echo off
for /f "delims=" %%a in (
%%a was unexpected at this time
'sqlplus USER/PASS#OMP1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL'
''sqlplus' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file
) do set rowcount=%%a
if %ROWCOUNT% GTR 0 (
More? c:\SQLTRIGGERS\VoiceBlkAutoationBAT.bat
More?
when I run this:
sqlplus user/pass#P1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL
I do get an integer value back too

Answer 1

why is there such a gap between the SET and rowcount?
In itself, it's of no matter - but I suspect that you have them on separate lines.
The set rowcount=%%a must all be on the same physical line as the do - and the do must be on the same physical line as the closing parenthesis after the in
for /f "delims=" %%a in (
'sqlplus user/pass#P1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL'
) do set rowcount=%%a
if perfectly legitimate.
As a .bat file:
:: #echo off
echo starting SQLPLUS
sqlplus USER/PASS#OMP1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL
echo finished SQLPLUS
for /f "delims=" %%a in (
'sqlplus USER/PASS#OMP1 #VoiceBlockTrig.SQL'
) do ECHO(+%%a+&set /A rowcount=%%a
ECHO rowcount=+%rowcount%+
if %ROWCOUNT% GTR 0 (
c:\SQLTRIGGERS\VoiceBlkAutoationBAT.bat
)
PAUSE
This is the batch that appears to be close to what you'd need to run.
The changes are:
added ECHO(+%%a+ in the FOR loop.
The open-parenthesis following the ECHO is simply a character that has been found to be better than SPACE to separate the ECHO from the text-to-be-echoed
The + before and after the %%a simply delimits the string with an
obvious character so that the presence of SPACES can be more easily observed.
SET changed to SET /A which interprets the value assigned as a
numeric-string, which should overcome any stray spaces in the
assignment.
Added ECHO of the rowcount within delimiters for visibility
Added PAUSE to stop the procedure from closing before you have a chance to see the results.
Comment : Probably the "delims=" is not required, but we'll get to that when the problems are defeated.
Comment: Your report that the script required TWO ENTERs could mean that the SQLPLUS is asking for input. If so, 'ECHO.^|sqlplus... may alleviate the problem.
If SQLPLUS is a BATCH, a different approach would need to be made.
Further changes to attempt to solve puzzing result:
Double-colon before #echo off - double-colon is often used as a
comment. The object is to show the lines being executed.
Added the SQLPLUS command independently - to observe results.
Added two ECHO lines to display progress.
Certainly very odd....