Digital object identifier

Digital object identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object to provide a persistent link to its location on the internet. The DOI system is managed by the International DOI Foundation (IDF), which oversees the registration agencies that assign DOIs to digital objects.

Overview

A DOI is designed to be a long-lasting reference, even as the digital object it identifies may move over time. Each DOI is unique to a particular digital object, which can be anything from a research paper to a data set or a piece of software. The DOI system is used widely in academic publishing.

Structure

A DOI is made up of a prefix and a suffix, separated by a slash. The prefix is a unique number assigned to the registrant, and the suffix is chosen by the registrant. For example, in the DOI 10.1000/xyz, "10.1000" is the prefix and "xyz" is the suffix.

Registration

DOIs are assigned by registration agencies, which are organizations authorized by the IDF. These agencies are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the DOI system and ensuring that DOIs continue to point to the correct locations.

Use

DOIs are used primarily in academic publishing to ensure that digital content remains accessible even as URLs change over time. They are also used in data citation to provide a stable link to data sets.

See also

• Handle System
• Persistent identifier
• Uniform Resource Name