It always consists of an outer loop tracking the rows, one or more inner loops tracking columns/spaces, and a newline command at the end of the outer loop.

Create a table on paper. Write down the row number on the left, and the number of stars on the right. Look for a linear equation (y = mx + b) that connects them.

You are likely using a print-line command (like println) inside the inner loop, forcing every single star onto a new line instead of keeping them on the same row.