f[x_]=x^2 is a typical assignment for a pattern. Notice the presence of _ on the left-hand side, but not the right-hand side.
An assignment of the form f[args]=rhs sets up a transformation rule associated with the symbol f.
Different rules associated with a particular symbol are usually placed in the order that you give them. If a new rule that you give is determined to be more specific than existing rules, it is, however, placed before them. When the rules are used, they are tested in order. »
New assignments with identical lhs overwrite old ones. »
You can see all the assignments associated with a symbol f using ?f or Definition[f].
If you make assignments for functions that have attributes like Flat and Orderless, you must make sure to set these attributes before you make assignments for the functions.
If lhs is of the form f[args], then args are evaluated. »
There are some special functions for which an assignment to s[f[args]] is automatically associated with f rather than s. These functions include: Attributes, Default, Format, MessageName, Messages, N and Options. »
When it appears in an unevaluated symbolic form, Set is treated as a scoping construct so that variables in nested occurrences are renamed if necessary. »
lhs=rhs returns rhs even if for some reason the assignment specified cannot be performed.
Some global variables such as $RecursionLimit can only be assigned a certain range or class of values.
EXAMPLES
Basic Examples 
Scope 