Prefer double brackets ([[ ]]) over single brackets ([ ]) in shell scripts for improved functionality and consistency. While double brackets don’t strictly require quotes around variables, maintaining consistent quoting practice is recommended even with double brackets:

# Preferred style
if [[ "$variable" == "value" ]]; then
    # code
fi

# Instead of
if [ $variable == "value" ]; then
    # code
fi

This practice enhances readability and offers protection if scripts are later modified to use single brackets or embedded in contexts with stricter requirements.