DOI (digital object identifier)

Definition: Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) are alpha-numeric strings that can be assigned to any entity, including: publications (including preprints), materials, datasets, and feature films - the use of DOIs is not restricted to just scholarly or academic material. DOIs “provides a system for persistent and actionable identification and interoperable exchange of managed information on digital networks.” ( https://doi.org/hb.html). There are many different DOI registration agencies that operate DOIs, but the two that researchers would most likely encounter are Crossref and Datacite.