in a normal SQL INSERT using TO_DATE('12/5/1948','DD/MM/YYYY') works inside VALUES()
just a guess for LOAD DATA

Hi! though this looks like a nice feature it is not so useful if not portable and
even available in ZPM.
I use since ~ever~  my 3..5 char abbreviated extensions in %ZLANG...*
to add such abbreviations I have even created my helper to add it o the fly
Helper for ObjectScript Language Extensions with OEX + Video

And sorry where is the difference between :sql  to ZSQL or zsql  (insensible to any mix of case) ?
In addition in %ZLANG* your shortcut can also be a multiline function. 
 

WOW !!   GREAT !

Correct:  Your version is: 
 Cache for UNIX (Red Hat Enterprise Linux for x86-64) 2017.1 (Build 792U) Mon Mar 20 2017 19:19:52 EDT
Backport of %JSON classes to Caché is not available

All code is also visible in QualityCheck Tab Code
https://community.objectscriptquality.com/code?id=intersystems_iris_community%2FAdventOfCode

you get access if your product has a service contract with ISC
WRC = Worldwide Response Center

2021-12-25 22:24:55 UTC - DC Leaderboard final update
Only 4 of 22 registered community members  have  completed all 25 exercises and reached 50 stars  

My own contribution at pos. #3 was disqualified by using Embedded Python.
 

YES, pre-release was available in the first days of Dec.
So dropping a few days and converting to Embedded Python was worth the rewrite.
Since this is the future.
It's somehow strange that the most likely oldest participant took that path first. 

Completed Solution:
Repository: https://github.com/rcemper/AoC2021-rcc
Description & Quality status: https://community.intersystems.com/post/aoc2021-rcc
 

Oh, dear!  Dismounting IRISLIB is probably the worst you can do to destroy the whole system.
It's like removing the heart from your body. You shouldn't even think of it

THX !   Excellent tool!

Answer is sent. 

Dear Iryna, I just prepare Xmas. So it may take some time for the reply.

I see!  And I feel it is right.
Therefore I suggested using a different private leaderboard about 2 weeks ago
where you have to request the access code from Developer Community Managers.
Instead of this public published access key. It could be kind of a registration.
And with 23 actives ist's not much extra effort + no need for recalculation and filtering.

Eventually, this may happen next year.
Though technically It may still be possible this year it's just bad taste
to change rules if you dislike the results during the game.

The next challenge is that ISC employees are excluded from prizes.
which requires a further step of filtering.  Though I have this Info, I didn't apply. 

Interesting. How actual is your JSON input. ?
I download the same JSON file with the "local_score"  from AoC
Update my table daily and sort it by( DC desc , score desc)  every night.  (see timestamps)  
But your scores do not match AoC but deviate from AoC in both directions from last night's input.
(eg. yours by ~1000 pts minus ? )

2021-12-18 22:01:42 UTC  - DC Leaderboard updated