Docker Engine in Octopus Deploy

Octopus Deploy has introduced basic Docker Engine commands as an early access feature in its latest 3.5.1 release, aiming to integrate Docker functionalities with their deployment processes. This integration is initially hidden and can be accessed by toggling a feature flag, allowing users to experiment with Docker steps like docker run, docker stop, and docker network create within their projects. The release also introduces Docker registry feeds, enabling the selection of Docker images at release creation similarly to NuGet feeds. However, there are noted limitations, such as differences in API specifications with Docker Hub and the lack of support for unofficial or private repositories. While the current focus is on fundamental Docker capabilities, future plans include expanding support to Docker Compose, Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, Apache Mesos, and various cloud services, although challenges remain with Docker on Windows. Users are encouraged to explore this early version to provide feedback and help shape the integration's development.