How to read input from console in a batch file?

Question

How do I read input from the console in a batch file? What I am trying to achieve is the functionality of scanf in C. How can I do the same in a batch file?

Answer 1

In addition to the existing answer it is possible to set a default option as follows:

echo off
ECHO A current build of Test Harness exists.
set delBuild=n
set /p delBuild=Delete preexisting build [y/n] (default - %delBuild%)?:

This allows users to simply hit "Enter" if they want to enter the default.