The Problem

If the metadata.json file is missing a dependencies key it renders the puppet module tool inoperable. By extension any spec tests that use forge modules also break.

root@master:~ # puppet module list

Error: No dependencies module metadata provided for pe_inifile

Error: No dependencies module metadata provided for pe_inifile

Error: Try 'puppet help module list' for usage

The workaround

Adding "dependencies": [] to metadata.json will make it work.

The Suggested Solution

PMT should handle the case where the dependencies key is missing better.