Concept

Persistent identifier

A persistent identifier is a unique, lasting code that keeps pointing to the same resource even if its address changes, so it can be cited.

How it connects

The main ones are shown; 4 more are in the list. See on the map

What it is

ARK is a kind of Persistent identifier.
DOI is a kind of Persistent identifier.
IGSN is a kind of Persistent identifier.
ISNI is a kind of Persistent identifier.
ORCID iD is a kind of Persistent identifier.
RAiD is a kind of Persistent identifier.
ROR is a kind of Persistent identifier.

Related to

Persistent identifier relates to Handle System. Resolution system that underpins the DOI and other persistent identifiers.
Persistent identifier relates to ISBN. Identifies books permanently, but does not resolve to a location on its own.
Persistent identifier relates to ISSN. Identifies serial publication titles; it is a title number, not a resolvable link.
Persistent identifier relates to Open science. Services that identify research objects with persistent identifiers are a critical part of open science infrastructure.
Persistent identifier relates to Software Heritage. Its SWHIDs are persistent identifiers derived from the content of source code.

Links

Details

Also known as: PID

Description

Persistence is a matter of service, not of the code itself: someone has to keep the link between the identifier and the resource up to date. DOI, ARK, Handle and ORCID iD are common examples.

Attributes

Attributes of Persistent identifier
url	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent_identifier
identifiers	wikidata: Q420330
status	active
governance	Not applicable
prominence	core
type	Concept
Tags	function: identification, region: global

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent_identifier(opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-11-12)
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q420330(opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-11-12)

Last reviewed: 2026-11-12

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