Why am I getting forced double brackets?

Hi all.

Using latest visual studio code, adding code within a script i’m getting double brackets in IF statements (()) when running, even though i’m only putting single brackets ()…

if ((choice = “show”)) {
var arr = [];

      for (x = minVal; x <= maxVal; x++) {
        arr.push(x);
      }
      console.log(arr);
    } else if ((choice = "sum")) {...

Why is this being forced at compile?
And will it effect my code?

The only Extensions installed on my VSC are ESLint, Live Server, and Prettier Code.

Help please guys/girls?