Butterfly Pattern in C, C++, Java & Python – Code with Explanation & Examples in Short and Simple

   

C Program

#include <stdio.h>
int main(){
    int n=4;
    for(int i=1;i<=n;i++){
        for(int j=1;j<=i;j++) printf("*");
        for(int j=1;j<=2*(n-i);j++) printf(" ");
        for(int j=1;j<=i;j++) printf("*");
        printf("\n");
    }
    for(int i=n;i>=1;i--){
        for(int j=1;j<=i;j++) printf("*");
        for(int j=1;j<=2*(n-i);j++) printf(" ");
        for(int j=1;j<=i;j++) printf("*");
        printf("\n");
    }
}

C Output

Input:  
n = 4 

Output:  
*      *
**    **
***  ***
********
********
***  ***
**    **
*      *

C++ Program

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main(){
    int n=3;
    for(int i=1;i<=n;i++){
        cout<<string(i,'*')<<string(2*(n-i),' ')<<string(i,'*')<<"\n";
    }
    for(int i=n;i>=1;i--){
        cout<<string(i,'*')<<string(2*(n-i),' ')<<string(i,'*')<<"\n";
    }
}

C++ Output

Input:  
n = 3 

Output:  
*    *
**  **
******
******
**  **
*    *

JAVA Program

public class Main{
    public static void main(String[] args){
        int n=5;
        for(int i=1;i<=n;i++)
            System.out.println("*".repeat(i)+" ".repeat(2*(n-i))+"*".repeat(i));
        for(int i=n;i>=1;i--)
            System.out.println("*".repeat(i)+" ".repeat(2*(n-i))+"*".repeat(i));
    }
}

JAVA Output

Input:  
n = 5  

Output:  
*        *
**      **
***    ***
****  ****
**********
**********
****  ****
***    ***
**      **
*        *

Python Program

n=2
for i in range(1,n+1):
    print("*"*i+" "*(2*(n-i))+"*"*i)
for i in range(n,0,-1):
    print("*"*i+" "*(2*(n-i))+"*"*i)

Python Output

Input:  
n = 2 

Output:  
*  *
****
****
*  *

Deep-Dive Explanation

Learning the Butterfly Pattern

The butterfly pattern is made with two halves — the top wings open out from one star to the fullest width, and the bottom wings close back in an even manner. The gaps between the left and the right wings give the impression that there are two different wings.

Step-by-Step Logic

In the top half:

Print i stars for the left wing.

Print 2*(n-i) spaces for the gap between wings.

Print i stars for the right wing.

In the bottom half:

Repeat the same pattern but loop i from n to 1.

Example with n = 4

Row 1 → * + spaces + *

Row 2 → ** + less spaces + **

Row 4 → **** + no spaces + ****

Then reverse this list for the bottom half.

Why This Pattern Matters

This habit builds strength in nested loops, symmetry generation, and space management — all critical to pattern problems and console graphics.

Real-Life Analogy

Drawing the outline of a butterfly on paper — the left and right wings are mirror images, and the gap in the middle is like the butterfly's body.

Practical Uses

Pretty console outputs for games

Text-based animations

Symmetrical design practice for UI text elements

Interview Insights

The butterfly pattern is a standard interview question used to gauge the ability to control loops and produce mirror patterns. Interviewers can vary it by turning it hollow, numeric, or character-based. 

For SEO purposes:

The butterfly pattern code in C, C++, Java, and Python is an excellent exercise for beginners to learn nested loops and creating symmetrical patterns. The programming challenge allows one to practice space alignment, loop construction, and mirrored patterning. In preparation for exams, interviews, or competitive coding, the butterfly pattern enhances logical reasoning and problem-solving skills in programming.