Project Question: Hollow Square Pattern

Assignment: Hollow Square Pattern

Objective:

To implement a Java program that takes an integer input n from the user and prints a hollow square pattern of asterisks (*) with spaces.

Instructions:

1. Input:

   • Prompt the user to enter the number of rows (n) for the square pattern.
   • Read and store this input using a Scanner.

2. Output:

   • Generate a square pattern using nested loops:
     • The outer loop (i) controls the rows of the pattern from n to 1.
     • The first inner loop (j) prints spaces ( ) to create the left indentation based on the current row.
     • The second inner loop (k) prints asterisks (*) to form the hollow square.
     • Ensure that asterisks are printed only on the first and last rows (i == n or i == 1) or the first and last columns (k == 1 or k == n).
     • Otherwise, print spaces ( ) to create the hollow effect inside the square.

3. Example Output:

   • For n = 5:

<span class="pln">
</span><span class="typ">Enter</span><span class="pln"> the number </span><span class="kwd">of</span><span class="pln"> rows</span><span class="pun">:</span><span class="pln"> </span><span class="lit">5</span><span class="pln">
    </span><span class="pun">*****</span><span class="pln">
   </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">   </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">
  </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">   </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">
 </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">   </span><span class="pun">*</span><span class="pln">
</span><span class="pun">*****</span>

Submission:

• Write and submit your Java program (HollowSquare.java).
• Ensure the program follows good coding practices (comments, variable naming conventions, etc.).
• Test your program with different values of n to ensure it produces the correct square pattern.