The basic prerequisites for getting started with Node.js are more focused on foundational skills that will help you grasp and use Node.js effectively. Here's a simplified list:

1. Basic JavaScript Knowledge

• Variables and Data Types: Understand how to declare variables (let, const, var) and work with different data types (strings, numbers, arrays, objects).
• Functions: Know how to define and use functions.
• Loops and Conditionals: Be comfortable with for loops, while loops, and conditional statements (if/else, switch).
• Asynchronous Code: Basic understanding of callbacks and promises in JavaScript, which is important in Node.js for handling asynchronous operations.

2. Command Line Basics

• Navigating the Terminal: Be familiar with using the command line to run commands like navigating between directories (cd), listing files (ls), and running scripts.

3. Installing Node.js

• Install Node.js on your system from the official website: https://nodejs.org. This also installs NPM (Node Package Manager), which you'll use to manage libraries and dependencies.

4. Basic Understanding of JSON

• Know how to work with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), a common data format used in Node.js applications for API responses and data exchange.

5. Basic Knowledge of HTTP

• Familiarize yourself with how HTTP works, particularly with GET and POST requests, as you'll often work with web servers and APIs in Node.js.

6. Text Editor or IDE

• Use a good text editor like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Atom for writing and editing Node.js code.