dos batch : using double quotes with IF -

I have a dos batch like this:

  @echo will close if "% 1 "=="% 2 "GOTO separates the next goto: Next Echo: Encore  

Do the dual around % 1 and % 2 Are citations required? In which case are they useful?

You need an expression before and after ==. If% 1 or% 2 is empty, you will get a syntax error.