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

This program reads an integer and prints a line with that number of stars (asterisks). It counts down from the number it reads in. The outer loop reads these integers until an EOF or bad input.

## Implemented with a `while` loop

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    // loops/line-of-stars-down.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 n down to 0.
            while (n > 0) {
                cout << "*";
                n--;
            }
            cout << endl;
        }
        return 0;
    }
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## Implemented as a `for` loop

Because the variable `n` already has a value when we start the inner loop, there is no need for an initialization clause. The `for` statement requires three clauses separated by semicolons; just leave any unneeded clause blank.

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        while (cin >> n) {
            for ( ; n > 0; n--) {
                cout << "*";
            }
            cout << endl;
        }
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