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C#

Export a Private Key as Traditional PEM

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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.

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C#
bool success = false;

//  Load a private key to export.
Chilkat.PrivateKey privKey = new Chilkat.PrivateKey();
success = privKey.LoadPemFile("qa_data/private.pem");
if (success == false) {
    Debug.WriteLine(privKey.LastErrorText);
    return;
}

//  Export as unencrypted PEM, preferring the traditional algorithm-specific representation when
//  one exists (for example "-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----").
string pem = privKey.GetPkcs1Pem();
if (privKey.LastMethodSuccess == false) {
    Debug.WriteLine(privKey.LastErrorText);
    return;
}

Debug.WriteLine(pem);