Print two-dimensional array in spiral order?

Question

How do I print a 5x5 two-dimensional array in spiral order? Is there any formula so that I can print an array of any size in spiral order?

Answer 1

To print a two-dimensional array (matrix) in spiral order, you can follow this algorithmic approach.

1. Initialize Boundaries: Set top, bottom, left, and right to define the current boundaries of the matrix.
2. Spiral Traversal:
3. Traverse from left to right across the top row, then increment top.
4. Traverse from the top to bottom down the right column, then decrement right.
5. If there are remaining rows, traverse from right to left across the bottom row, then decrement bottom.
6. If there are remaining columns, traverse from bottom to top up the left column, then increment left.
7. Repeat: Continue this process until all elements are printed.

This algorithm works for any size matrix and allows you to print the elements in spiral order.