🐍 Python Pattern Challenge — Day 4

Pattern printing is one of the best ways to improve your Python logic, loops, string handling, and problem-solving skills.

For Day 4, let's take the challenge one step further and create a diamond-shaped star pattern. The real challenge is controlling both spaces and stars as the pattern grows and then shrinks.

Today's Challenge

Write a Python program to print:

Best and cleanest code will be rewarded! 🏆

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Solution 1 — Using Two for Loops

n = 5

for i in range(1, n + 1):
    print(" " * (n - i) + "* " * (2 * i - 1))

for i in range(n - 1, 0, -1):
    print(" " * (n - i) + "* " * (2 * i - 1))

How it works:

• " " * (n - i) → creates the indentation before the stars.
• "* " * (2 * i - 1) → creates an increasing number of stars.
• The first loop creates the upper half.
• The second loop creates the lower half.
• 2 * i - 1 generates odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

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Solution 2 — Using Nested Loops

n = 5

for i in range(1, n + 1):
    for j in range(n - i):
        print(" ", end=" ")

    for j in range(2 * i - 1):
        print("*", end=" ")

    print()

for i in range(n - 1, 0, -1):
    for j in range(n - i):
        print(" ", end=" ")

    for j in range(2 * i - 1):
        print("*", end=" ")

    print()

How it works:

Here, nested loops separately control:

• Spaces → position of the stars.
• Stars → number of stars in each row.
• The first outer loop builds the diamond upward.
• The second outer loop builds it downward.

This approach is especially useful for beginners because you can clearly see how rows, spaces, and stars are controlled independently.

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Solution 3 — Using String Multiplication

n = 5

for i in list(range(1, n + 1)) + list(range(n - 1, 0, -1)):
    print(" " * (n - i) + "* " * (2 * i - 1))

How it works:

Instead of writing two separate loops, we create the complete sequence of rows:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Then:

" " * (n - i)

controls the indentation, while:

"* " * (2 * i - 1)

controls the stars.

This makes the solution short, clean, and reusable.

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🚀 Challenge Yourself

Can you create the same diamond pattern:

• Using a while loop?
• Using only one loop?
• Without using nested loops?
• By taking the size n as user input?
• In the shortest possible Python code?

Drop your solution below! 👇

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