the reason two atoms would form an ionic compound instead of a covalent compound mainly depends on their

I believe it depends on they’re electrons, if there was an transfer of electrons/losing or gaining e- it would be ionic and the bond is between M+Nm while Covalent is formed when atoms share e- and the bond is normally between Non-metals Nm+Nm, And Metallic bonds is called the sea of “e-“ and is normally only between Metals M+M

Idon't know hope someone you