Prerequisites

Prerequisites are conditions that must be met before undertaking an activity or entering a program. They establish minimum qualifications, prior knowledge, or dependencies to ensure readiness. Prerequisites differ from co-requisites, which are requirements that can be completed concurrently, and from recommendations, which suggest but do not require additional effort.

In education, prerequisites commonly require prior coursework, examination, or demonstrated competence. For example, calculus I is a prerequisite for calculus II; students may satisfy prerequisites by passing a placement test, completing related coursework, or receiving an approved waiver. Institutions set prerequisites to manage course sequencing and support student success, though policies on waivers or substitutions can vary.

In computing and software, prerequisites refer to software, libraries, or hardware needed before installing a program. Examples include a required operating system version, a specific runtime, or sufficient memory. Installers and package managers check prerequisites and may prompt for updates, provide alternatives, or block installation until requirements are met. Prerequisites help ensure software stability and compatibility.

In project management and operations, prerequisites are preconditions for starting tasks or processes. Examples include completing a design phase before construction or obtaining necessary permits before work begins. Prerequisites are usually documented in project plans, catalogs, or system requirements, and enforcement can differ by organization or context.

Challenges include rigidity and potential access barriers. Some programs provide waivers, bridging courses, or conditional enrollment to improve fairness and accessibility while preserving safety and quality.