You have probably seen the above number written in the corner of a paper at least once. This is a code called DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
What is DOI?
A DOI is a code that corresponds to electronic literature on the Web. It is similar to barcodes or RF-ID for products or ISBN codes for books.
The code consists of 2 parts: the first half (e.g., 10.1021) is named by the DOI foundation, and the latter half by the publishing agency (e.g., jacs.8b12877). Once a DOI code is given, it is used permanently. Even if the URL of an e-journal distribution site changes, the DOI remains the same.
How to use DOI?
Just type the following in the browser URL:
https://doi.org/(DOI code)
This will lead you to the webpage of the paper of the code.
For example, if you want a paper with a DOI at the beginning, type https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.8b12877
The DOI is available before the volume/issue/page numbers are available. Provide the URL described in the DOI when informing others of the distribution location of your paper on blogs, bulletin boards, or by e-mail. This is because it prevents broken links later.