🐍 Python Pattern Challenge — Day 17

Pattern printing is a great way to improve your Python loops, spacing, nested loops, and logical thinking. For Day 17, let's create a Hollow Star Diamond Pattern ⭐.

This pattern looks like a diamond from the outside, but the center remains empty. The challenge is to control the left spaces, stars, and inner spaces correctly.

Today's Challenge

Write a Python program to print:

Best and cleanest code will be rewarded! 🏆

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Solution 1 — Using Nested for Loops

n = 4

# Upper part
for i in range(1, n + 1):
    print("  " * (n - i), end="")

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

    print()

# Middle hollow part
for i in range(3):
    print("* *", end=" ")
    print("  " * 3, end="")
    print("* *")

# Lower part
for i in range(n - 1, 0, -1):
    print("  " * (n - i), end="")

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

    print()

How it works

The first loop creates the growing upper section:

      *
    * * *
  * * * * *
* * * * * * *
Then the middle section keeps the center empty:

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


Finally, the last loop creates the decreasing lower section:

  * * * * *
    * * *
      *

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Solution 2 — Using String Multiplication

n = 4

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

for i in range(3):
    print("* *" + "  " * 3 + "* *")

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

Here:

"* " * (2 * i - 1)

controls the number of stars in the upper and lower sections.

And:

" " * 3

creates the empty space in the center.

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Solution 3 — Using a Function

def star_pattern(n):

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

    for _ in range(3):
        print("* *" + "  " * 3 + "* *")

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


star_pattern(4)

Using a function makes the pattern reusable and allows you to experiment with different sizes.

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⚡ Short & Clean Code

n = 4

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

for _ in range(3):
    print("* *" + "  " * 3 + "* *")

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

🔥 This version keeps the logic simple while producing the complete pattern.

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🚀 Challenge Yourself

Can you modify this pattern:

• Make the pattern larger?
• Take the size using input()?
• Create the same pattern using a while loop?
• Make the center gap wider?
• Replace * with another symbol?
• Create a completely hollow version?

Drop your solution below! 👇

17 Days. 17 Patterns. Stronger Python Logic. 🐍🔥

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