How to handle publication information when citing electronic journals?

When citing electronic journals, include essential publication information such as volume, issue, page range (or article number), and publication year, supplemented by a persistent Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or a stable URL, replacing the necessity for a physical location. Accurate citation requires several key practices. Firstly, always verify and include the electronic journal's standard identifiers: volume and issue number if available, even if pagination differs from print. Secondly, prioritize the inclusion of a DOI whenever provided, as it offers the most stable and direct link to the resource. If a DOI is unavailable, use a stable, persistent URL rather than a generic search result link. Thirdly, ensure the accessibility of the cited link at the time of writing. Finally, follow the specific citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) meticulously for precise formatting of the electronic location element. The implementation involves locating the article's specific identifiers on the journal platform. Include the year, volume, and issue number following standard journal citation practice. Conclude the citation with "https://doi.org/" followed by the DOI, ideally as a hyperlink. If no DOI exists, provide a direct, stable URL to the article preceded by "Retrieved from". Using DOIs enhances reference reliability, ensures long-term accessibility, and streamlines verification within digital research workflows.