Your wanted option is not gone, you can still download the binaries if the author presents them; or you can compile it from source. This is just another, more convenient way to distribute the program.
If you are looking to get your programs Windows-style, to download a binary or “install wizard”, then you can look into appimages.
Like any form of distribution however: someone has to offer this, be it the author or “some rando”.
True. Still the most windows-like installation method.