As already stated, Apple abandoned the iTunes application on macOS after Mojave in favor of splitting its functionality across three apps. There is no iTunes download now other than for older macOS or Windows.
On macOS Sonoma 14.6.1, I am in the process of ripping my 300-disc CD collection to 192 KHz MP3 on an external SSD bearing an alternative iTunes Library. I press the option key on launching Apple Music and that queries for the iTunes Library location.
The ripping process works just like it did in the old iTunes app and getting album art is more problematic now than in the past. That is not Apple's fault owing to some copyright issues.
Since my 2011 Saab only accepts MP3 audio from a FAT32 storage device via the Auxiliary audio port, I am using a third-party (free) MP3gain-express for macOS to set a fixed (89 db) audio volume on all ripped tracks. I do this as the Saab automatically adjusts the radio volume for road noise, but does not for Aux input audio. I use that gain control app to ensure that I do not have to continually adjust the volume between the same or random artist songs.