Incrementing + Inverted Squared Number-Star (Alternate Type 2)

Understanding the Problem

The goal is to print an alternate inverted squared number-star pattern where row order alternates, but follows a different sequence.

Pattern Explanation

The pattern follows a grid structure where numbers increase sequentially, but certain rows are printed in reverse order.

1*2*3*4
9*10*11*12
13*14*15*16
5*6*7*8
            

Observations:

• The pattern consists of 4 rows and 4 columns.
• Numbers increment from left to right across the grid.
• Each number is followed by a '*', except the last number in each row.
• Certain rows are printed in reverse order.

Algorithm

The pattern follows these steps:

1. Initialize a number counter starting from 1.
2. Store values in a 2D array as they increment.
3. Loop through rows, printing normally for some rows and in reverse for others.
4. Within each row, print numbers left to right with '*'.
5. Move to the next line after printing each row.

Method 1: Using Nested Loops

This method first stores values in an array and then prints them in the required alternating order.

public class NumberPattern {
    public static void printPattern(int n) {
        int[][] arr = new int[n][n];
        int num = 1;
        
        for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
            for (int j = 0; j < n; j++) {
                arr[i][j] = num++;
            }
        }
        
        for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
            if (i == 1 || i == 3) {
                for (int j = 0; j < n; j++) {
                    System.out.print(arr[i][j]);
                    if (j < n - 1) System.out.print("*");
                }
            } else {
                for (int j = n - 1; j >= 0; j--) {
                    System.out.print(arr[i][j]);
                    if (j > 0) System.out.print("*");
                }
            }
            System.out.println();
        }
    }
    
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int size = 4;
        printPattern(size);
    }
}
            

Output:

1*2*3*4
9*10*11*12
13*14*15*16
5*6*7*8