Help, I`m new to Java

Question

I have to write an applet that reads in the size of a square and displays a hollow square of that size out of asterisks using the drawString method. Please can some 1 help me in starting me off.
Thanx

Answer 1

I have given you the easy stuff...
but i wont deprive you of learning how to figure out the loop... it was a good lesson.
import javax.swing.JOptionPane;
import javax.swing.*;
import java.awt.Graphics;
public class Ex4_23 extends JApplet{
   String square;     // size of square entered by user
   int sq;            //converted string to number, size of square
   public void init(){
      // read first number from user as a string
      square =  JOptionPane.showInputDialog( "size of square: " );
      sq = Integer.parseInt( square );
   }//end of init
   public void paint( Graphics g){
      //the measure for moving positions x & y is = 7 pixels
      //draw the very top line of the square,
      //for each * you need to move co-ordinate x, over by 7. 
      //Row y keeps the same value
      for (���.; ��..; ���){
          g.drawString(����);
     // print out the middle lines of the square, they have a repeating pattern,
     // advancing each row by 7 pixels, (you want to start a new line)
     for (�����.;���;�����){                            //for each middle line
                                                        //draw leftmost *
                                                        //then repeatedly
                                                        //draw a space
                                                        //draw rightmost *
     // draw the bottom line of the square,
     // for each * you need to move co-ordinate x, over by 7. 
     // Row y stays the same
    for (����.; ���. ;�����)
    System.exit( 0 );
   }//end of paint   
}//end of class