Thread: printing asterisks shape in java

i am supposed to Write a program that prints a shape similar to the following shape. Maximize use of loops and minimize use of print statements.
.....*
....**
...***
..****
...***
....**
.....*
(without the "...")(i couldn't get it to stay in shape)


this is what i got so far

package assignment7;
 
public class Exercise3 
{
	 public static void main (String[] args)
	 {
	  for (int count =0; count < 4; count++)
	  {
	    for (int j=0; j < count+1; j++)
	       System.out.print("*");
	    System.out.println();
	  }
	  for (int count =3; count >= 0; count--)
	  {
	    for (int j=0; j < count-1; j++)
	       System.out.print("*");
	    System.out.println();
	  }
	 }
}

this compiles to:
*
**
***
****
**
*

how do i center it to create the shape?

I think you need to print spaces too. so that your first asterisk would be placed at the center

i don't understand what you mean by that. sorry i am kind of new at this.

Each line contains a certain number of spaces with a certain number of asterisks, and there's a pattern:

2 spaces, 1 asterisk
1 space, 2 asterisks
0 spaces, 3 asterisks
etc . . .

Determine the pattern and use the loops to create the pattern of spaces and asterisks.