I did actually find a very similliar bug in the experimental rendering engine of element (the matrix client). So yes, this is something that exists somewhere else too.

How would you play a DRM-free game bought through steam without steam? (Genuine question)

First off, cause you are programming under windows, a lot of things will be harder for you. As seen on your problems with Python.
Most Linux installs have it right from the get-go and everything else is as simple. So giving directions for developers on other platforms might be much easier than what you had to go through. (Maybe use WSL?)

Let’s get to your real question: How does one organize dependencies in a way easy for new contributors?
Since you will use Python, I will use that as example.

Most languages have a way to automagically import dependencies. Python has the requirements.txt file. Installing dependencies is then really easy. It is also a widely known way to do that, has lots of explanation online etc. so seasoned pythoneers will know what to do and younglings will get to know a good standard right away.

Bonus tip: If you don’t have a GUI library yet, maybe also search for game engines. They provide all the necessary tools as well, oftentimes have good GUI add-ins and are (mostly) for all mayor platforms.

I know what you mean and Linux can be the operating system with less issues as well. E.g. I never had printer issues with my system but have to troubleshoot others’ printers regularly.

If you only use Linux for browsing and light office work you probably never encounter problems. Even if you play games via steam and Proton there probably will never be something.

The same is true for Windows. If you only use it for a small subset of tasks (browsing, light office work or playing recent games) you will rarely encounter problems.

But if you try to do so without a Microsoft account or if you don’t want a bloated start menu, it starts to get tricky.

And don’t get me started on playing old games or getting some programming dependencies running. This can be hell.

I know the flaws of windows (I’ve used it up until last year and still have to use it at work) and I also know the limitations of Linux. They are both not perfect, but Linux is free and Windows becomes more and more shit (as you’ve said). And this is where I don’t understand all the people saying, that windows is easier. It really isn’t anymore. It was a few years ago though.

Oh yeah, I never had to do this on windows!

Wait! That’s not correct.