A permalink is a link to a webpage or online resource that is permanent and won't change over time. Typically, the content of the linked webpage or resource is also meant to stay unchanged.
Web pages and online resources often change over time, with some updating more frequently than others. The main URL, such as CompanyName/PageName, typically remains static but usually directs to the most current version of the page as of the visit date and time. It shows all updates made since the page's initial creation.
Some website owners are aware that changes will happen and proactively produce archive versions or copies of their web pages and online resources. When a webpage or resource is first published, they create an archive with a permalink for record-keeping. Visitors can save this permalink to access that original version later, even if the content changes. Each time the page or resource is updated, a new archive with a different permalink is created. Visitors can save this new permalink to access that specific version in the future, even after further updates. This process repeats with every change, resulting in a series of snapshots of the webpage or resource accessible via unique permalinks for each version. These serve as a precise record of what was published or available at each stage, from the original to subsequent versions.
Source uses the process outlined above. When a manufacturer’s product is included in a specification, the exact permalink to its specific version of the product details is added at that moment.
You can access and click the permalink either directly from the specification or from an electronic version of the published document. Clicking the permalink opens the product details page within Source.
If the permalink version of the product is still the current version, meaning the product details in Source haven't changed since it was first added to the specification, the product details page will display normally.
If the product details are later updated in Source after being added to the specification, a black bar will appear at the top of the product details page indicating, ‘This version of the product is no longer available’, as shown below.
Related article: 'Manufacturer data verification'