Question

Using Python write a program that reads an int N >= 0, then prints out each of the following patterns of *. If you do NOT use the string repetition operator * in either problem, you will earn 0.25 points of Extra Credit for each. Also, each pattern must be output via a single function call to the given named function with single parameter N. Examples for N==4 follow, with explanations of how the displayed diagram reflects this value of N:

(a) def triangle(N) => N lines, all right justified: first having N stars, second having N-1, ..., and finally the Nth having 1 star):

****
***
**
   *

(b) def hollow_box(N) => N lines, first and last having N stars, others with star in first and Nth column:

****
* *
* *
****

Answer 1

SOURCE CODE:

*Please follow the comments to better understand the code.

**Please look at the Screenshot below and use this code to copy-paste.

***The code in the below screenshot is neatly indented for better understanding.


def triangle(N):
    # Outer loop
    for i in range(N):
        # Inner loop
        for j in range(i, N):
            # print a *
            print('*', end='')
        # print new line
        print()


def hollow_box(N):
    for i in range(N):
        # first and last rows, print full
        if i == 0 or i == N - 1:
            for j in range(N):
                print('*', end='')
        else:
            for j in range(N):
                # print * only if it's first or last column
                if j == 0 or j == N - 1:
                    print('*', end='')
                else:
                    # else, print space
                    print(' ', end='')
        # new line
        print()


# TESTING
print('TRIANGLE TESTING...')
print('N=4')
triangle(4)
print('\nN=7')
triangle(7)

print('\n\nHALLOW BOX TESTING...')
print('N=4')
hollow_box(4)
print('\nN=8')
hollow_box(8)

========

OUTPUT