C++

Export a Private Key as Traditional PEM

Demonstrates the Chilkat PrivateKey.GetPkcs1Pem method, which exports the key as unencrypted PEM, preferring the traditional algorithm-specific representation when one exists (for example -----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----). It takes no arguments.

Note: The file paths are relative to the application's current working directory. Absolute paths may also be used. Supply the paths appropriate to your own environment.

Background: Before PKCS #8 unified key storage, each algorithm had its own PEM format — RSA PRIVATE KEY, EC PRIVATE KEY, and so on. Some older tools still expect that traditional form, and this method produces it. When you have the choice, PKCS #8 (GetPkcs8Pem) is the more interoperable modern option; use this for compatibility with software that requires the legacy layout.

Chilkat C++ Downloads

Download Chilkat for C++

C++

#include <CkPrivateKey.h>

void ChilkatSample(void)
    {
    bool success = false;

    //  Load a private key to export.
    CkPrivateKey privKey;
    success = privKey.LoadPemFile("qa_data/private.pem");
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << privKey.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    //  Export as unencrypted PEM, preferring the traditional algorithm-specific representation when
    //  one exists (for example "-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----").
    const char *pem = privKey.getPkcs1Pem();
    if (privKey.get_LastMethodSuccess() == false) {
        std::cout << privKey.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    std::cout << pem << "\r\n";
    }