def read_requirements_file(requirements_file: str):
    """ Read the requirements file and return requirements

    This reads a format similar to requirements.txt and then returns the 
    requirements.
    """
    requirements = []
    with open(requirements_file) as fp:
        for line in fp:
            package = line.rstrip().strip()
            if package == '' or package.startswith('#'):
                continue
            requirements.append(package)
    return requirements