[Next 15] Preloading multiple modules prevents the `dev` server from running

[rebelliard]

Link to the code that reproduces this issue

• Code sandbox

To Reproduce

1. Attempt to start the application via npm run dev.
2. Running the app will fail.

Current vs. Expected behavior

In Next 15 RC, preloading multiple modules via NODE_MODULES=--require ./module1 --require ./module2 throws an error that prevents the server from running.

• Although I can tell by the logs that the modules are properly preloaded, the server still does not run.

Example:

  "scripts": {
    "dev": "NODE_OPTIONS='--require ./required-module1 --require ./required-module2' next dev",
  }

Current behavior

➜  workspace git:(master) ✗ npm run dev

> dev
> NODE_OPTIONS='--require ./required-module1 --require ./required-module2' next dev

===== module 1
===== module 2
node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:1051
  throw err;
  ^

Error: Cannot find module './required-module1 ./required-module2'
Require stack:
- internal/preload
    at Module._resolveFilename (node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:1048:15)
    at Module._load (node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:901:27)
    at internalRequire (node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:166:19)
    at Module._preloadModules (node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:1420:5)
    at loadPreloadModules (node:internal/process/pre_execution:705:5)
    at setupUserModules (node:internal/process/pre_execution:170:3)
    at prepareExecution (node:internal/process/pre_execution:132:5)
    at prepareMainThreadExecution (node:internal/process/pre_execution:55:3)
    at node:internal/main/run_main_module:10:1 {
  code: 'MODULE_NOT_FOUND',
  requireStack: [ 'internal/preload' ]
}

Node.js v20.9.0

Expected behavior

• Next 15 should start.
• For further context, this works in a Next 14 sandbox:

➜  workspace git:(master) ✗ npm run dev

> dev
> NODE_OPTIONS='--require ./required-module1 --require ./required-module2' next dev

===== module 1
===== module 2
===== module 1
===== module 2
  ▲ Next.js 14.2.4
  - Local:        http://localhost:3000

 ✓ Starting...
 ✓ Ready in 1952ms

Provide environment information

Operating System:
  Platform: linux
  Arch: x64
  Version: #1 SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Sun Aug  6 20:05:33 UTC 2023
  Available memory (MB): 4102
  Available CPU cores: 2
Binaries:
  Node: 20.9.0
  npm: 9.8.1
  Yarn: 1.22.19
  pnpm: 8.10.2
Relevant Packages:
  next: 15.0.0-canary.47 // Latest available version is detected (15.0.0-canary.47).
  eslint-config-next: N/A
  react: 19.0.0-rc-6f23540c7d-20240528
  react-dom: 19.0.0-rc-6f23540c7d-20240528
  typescript: 5.3.3
Next.js Config:
  output: N/A

Which area(s) are affected? (Select all that apply)

Runtime

Which stage(s) are affected? (Select all that apply)

next dev (local), next build (local), next start (local)

Additional context

• I could reproduce this behavior all the way back to 15.0.0-canary.0.
• Preloading does work if only include a single module, i.e. only one --require.