I don't expect average user to read an entire dependency tree. However, apt and aptitude does a relatively good job of explaining their actions' reasons.

Let me rephrase:

    1. Installation of recommended packages is a good default for the average user, because it provides functionality they expect.
    2. If the user is not happy with what's happening, changing defaults are not hard.

IOW, if you don't like how your system behaves, read the documents. Otherwise, I argue, current defaults is good for the benefit of the newcomer and average Linux user. If you are at a point where you are caring which package is doing what, you're leaving "average user / beginner" realm.

In the case of StarDict, as I noted elsewhere, I think the developer's answer is fishy, or ill-informed at least.

▲ ioasuncvinvaer 5 days ago | parent [-]

Why does "caring what a package does" mean that someone is no longer a beginner?

All the people I know care what their software does.

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bayindirh 5 days ago | parent [-]

From my experience, newbie users are generally more interested in the end result: Their intended packages are working, and what that package is doing. They are not yet interested in all the libraries required and whatnot.

As they get familiar with their systems, they get interested in what makes the particular package or software tick. Then, the digging starts. At that point they are already pretty proficient with their package managers, and start to learn their systems inside out. At that point they're not beginners since they can do targeted tinkering.

Except very rare circumstances, I didn't see anyone to dive to the deep end directly.

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ioasuncvinvaer 5 days ago | parent [-]

I guess sou just have a weird definition of "what a software does" means. Because to it is exactly about the end product.

	▲	bayindirh 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		If wondering about why some libraries are installed as a part of an application, and having a desire to learn the function of a library in that context is a "weird" definition of "wondering about what software does", then yes. Libraries does matter. =)