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zigzag

Language/Type: PHP recursion

Write a recursive function zigzag that accepts an integer parameter $n and that prints out $n characters as follows:

  • The middle character of the output should always be an asterisk ("*").
  • If you are asked to write out an even number of characters, then there will be two asterisks in the middle ("**").
  • Before the asterisks you should write out less-than characters ("<").
  • After the asterisks you should write out greater-than characters (">").

For example, the following calls produce the following output:

Call Output
zigzag(1); *
zigzag(2); **
zigzag(3); <*>
zigzag(4); <**>
zigzag(5); <<*>>
zigzag(6); <<**>>
zigzag(7); <<<*>>>
zigzag(8); <<<**>>>

Your function should throw an Exception if passed a value less than 1. Note that the output does not advance to the next line.

Function: Write a PHP function as described, not a complete program.

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