How is the Linux software distributed

There are two main ways that Linux distributes software:

Via source code: where you can get your software from repositories in a human-readable form to modify and thinker with.
Advantages: can be compiled in the specific environment where it'll be run to optimize performance. Can be modified and personalized.
Disadvantages: need the specific programs to interpret the human-readable source code and required libraries. Slower and more complex installation.

Via installable files called Software Packages: created to make the installation process easier to execute, understand and manage, "packages" were created as a set of files with all the necessary dependencies and information to install an application.
Advantages: Easier to install and administrate.
Disadvantages: the same program needs different packages depending on their platform (x86, x64, arm, mips, ...). Some packages are incompatible.