Print a Star Square with Borders and Imaginary Diagonal in Python

Program Overview

This Python program reads an integer n between 1 and 80 and prints a square pattern of size n × n using asterisks (*).
The output shows only the four borders and the imaginary diagonal — from top-right to bottom-left.

Python Code:

# Read n from user
n = int(input("Enter a number between 1 and 80: "))

# Validate input
if 1 <= n <= 80:
    for i in range(n):
        row = ''
        for j in range(n):
            if i == 0 or i == n - 1 or j == 0 or j == n - 1 or i + j == n - 1:
                row += '* '
            else:
                row += '  '
        print(row)
else:
    print("The number must be between 1 and 80.")

Sample Output for n = 5:

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

Step-by-Step Explanation:

- The user inputs a number n
- The program checks that n is between 1 and 80
- A nested loop prints each row and column
- A star is printed if the position is on the border or the imaginary diagonal (i + j == n - 1)
- Otherwise, spaces are printed to keep the square aligned