Final answer:
The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) consists of a mandatory prefix and a suffix, providing a persistent link to an online source.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structure of the DOI
The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a series of digits and letters that provides a persistent link to the location of an online source. It consists of two main sections:
- Mandatory prefix: The DOI starts with a unique alphanumeric prefix assigned by the International DOI Foundation (IDF). This prefix indicates that the identifier is a DOI and distinguishes it from other types of identifiers.
- Suffix: The remaining characters in the DOI represent the specific digital resource being identified. It can include elements like journal volume, issue, page numbers, and unique identifiers for articles.