DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
A unique, permanent identifier assigned to published scientific papers and other digital content. DOIs (format: 10.XXXX/XXXXX) provide stable, permanent links to publications regardless of where they are hosted online. They are the standard citation identifier used in compound reference sections.
Technical Context
DOIs are managed by the International DOI Foundation (IDF) and administered through registration agencies, primarily Crossref (for academic content) and DataCite (for research data). The DOI resolution system (https://doi.org/10.XXXX/XXXXX) redirects to the current location of the content, providing persistent access even when publisher URLs change. DOI metadata (title, authors, publication date, journal) is stored in the Crossref database and accessible via the Crossref API. PeptideTrace's compound reference sections use DOIs to link directly to source publications — this provides permanent, reliable citations that won't break over time. DOIs are increasingly used for: clinical trial registrations, datasets, preprints, and research software, extending their utility beyond traditional journal articles.