# C++ Notes: Example - Loop - Line of stars - count up

This program reads an integer and prints a line with that number of stars (asterisks). A new variable, `i`, is used to count from 1 up to `n`. The outer loop reads these integers until an EOF or bad input.

## Implemented as a `while` loop

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    // loops/line-of-stars-up.cpp - Read int and print that many stars on a line.
    // Fred Swartz = 1003-08-23

    #include <iostream>
    using namespace std;

    int main() {
        int n;
        while (cin >> n) {
            //--- Loop counting i up from 1 to n.
            int i = 1;          // Initialize counter.
            while (i <= n) {    // Test counter.
                cout << "*";
                i++;            // Increment counter.
            }
            cout << endl;
        }
        return 0;
    }
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## Implemented as a `for` loop

The most common way to write a loop that counts is the `for` loop because it combines the intitialization, testing, and increment in one statement. This makes the program easier to read and maintain. Here is the inner `while` loop rewritten as a `for` loop.

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    for (int i=1; i<=n; i++) {
        cout << "*";
    }