AP Computer Science, A Exam, 1996, Question 3 in C++

Although the phrase "fewer operations" may be open to interpretation,
the key to answering the question correctly comes in how the answer is
justified. I assume that an operation refers to something fundamental
like integer arithmetic, but this is not explicitly stated.  So, the
answers here are open to intepretation.  Note the use of the word
"should" in the question, as in "should require fewer operations".
Again, justification of answers is important.


Certainly operator < and operator ++ require MORE operations when
alternative I is used than when alternative II is used.  For example,

Operator <

Using the absolute number of days from 1/1/1 (alternative II), the
integer values can be simply compared.  However, when alternative I is
used, years must be compared, then if years are equal months must be
compared, then if months are equal days must be compared.  This is more
"operations", i.e., 3 integer comparisons vs. 1 integer comparison.

Operator ++

Again, using alternative II the single integer is incremented.  Using
alternative II the day must be incremented, then if there is roll-over
off the end of the month (e.g., March 31) the month must be
incremented and the day reset, then if there is roll-over off the end
of the year (e.g., December 31), the year must be incremented and the
month/day reset.


Operator <<

What about operator << (printing a date)?  Using alternative I can be
done simply by indexing a string array/vector of 12 month names to get
the name of the month, then simply printing the day and year.
However, using alternative II will require some complicated arithmetic
to translate the absolute number of days into a month/day/year for
printing.  Of course if we really wanted to waste storage, we could
use a HUGE array (or store in a random-access file) a string
equivalent for every possible day and use the absolute date to index
this structure.  I assume that the intent of the question is to write
that

operator << requires fewer "operations" using alternative I than
using alternative II.