How to import functions in c++ without importing the whole library -

just wondering if can import things sort without importing whole lib? if possible can please explain me how , if not tell me why?

assuming function in library in first place (and not header-file implementation), linking library should pull in function(s) using [including, of course, ones used internally]. there no reason avoid linking library provides need.

of course, implementation may silly , use lots of functions don't need want do, separate problem.

for template-functions (which, in every current compiler, has implemented in header-file), requirement include appropriate header-file.