Bash - compare number variable to another number

In this article, we would like to show you how to compare number variable to another number in Bash.

In this example, we use -eq equality operator to compare two numbers inside if statement.

script.sh file:

xxxxxxxxxx

#!/bin/bash

​

number=5

​

if [ "$number" -eq 5 ]; then

    echo "The numbers are equal."

fi

Run in command line:

xxxxxxxxxx

./script.sh

Output:

xxxxxxxxxx

The numbers are equal.

xxxxxxxxxx

#!/bin/bash

​

number=5

​

if test "$number" -eq 5; then

    echo "The numbers are equal."

fi

Note: [ ] notation is shorthand of test command.

xxxxxxxxxx

#!/bin/bash

​

number=5

​

if [[ "$number" -eq 5 ]]; then

    echo "The numbers are equal."

fi

Note: [[ ]] notation is like extended test command.

xxxxxxxxxx

#!/bin/bash

​

number=5

​

if (( "$number" == 5 )); then

    echo "The numbers are equal."

fi

Note: (( )) notation was created to simplyfy conditions.

1. Bash - compare string variable to another string