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#0217

Diagonal Matrix Pattern

MediumPython25 min20 XP

Problem

Return an n by n grid as a list of strings where both main diagonals are "*" and all other cells are ".".

Why This Matters

Matrix pattern questions build the exact row-column thinking needed for grids, images, and board problems.

Function Signature

def diagonal_pattern(n):

Examples

Example 1
Inputn = 5
Output["*...*", ".*.*.", "..*..", ".*.*.", "*...*"]

Cells on r == c or r + c == n - 1 become stars.

Constraints

  • Return the exact requested value.
  • Handle small edge cases cleanly.
  • Prefer readable Python over clever shortcuts.
CodePython
Visible browser tests run here when available.
Testcases1 visible / 3 hidden categories
Core example
Inputn = 5
Expected["*...*", ".*.*.", "..*..", ".*.*.", "*...*"]

Cells on r == c or r + c == n - 1 become stars.

Hidden Test Categories
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