Algorithm for iterating over an outward spiral on a discrete 2D grid from the origin

Question

For example, here is the shape of intended spiral (and each step of the iteration)

          y
          |
          |
   16 15 14 13 12
   17  4  3  2 11
--         


        

Answer 1

I have an algorithm in java that outputs a similar output to yours, except that it prioritizes the number on the right, then the number on the left.

  public static String[] rationals(int amount){
   String[] numberList=new String[amount];
   int currentNumberLeft=0;
   int newNumberLeft=0;
   int currentNumberRight=0;
   int newNumberRight=0;
   int state=1;
   numberList[0]="("+newNumberLeft+","+newNumberRight+")";
   boolean direction=false;
 for(int count=1;count