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.
{code} 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 {code}
h1. The workaround
Adding {{"dependencies": []}} to {{metadata.json}} will make it work.
h1. The Suggested Solution
PMT should handle the case where the dependencies key is missing better.