def parse_requirements(requirements_file='requirements.txt'):
    """
    Parse requirements from the requirements file, stripping comments.

    Args:
      requirements_file: path to a requirements file

    Returns:
      a list of python packages
    """
    lines = []
    with open(requirements_file) as reqs:
        for _ in reqs:
            line = _.split('#')[0]
            if line.strip():
                lines.append(line)
    return lines