Export a Private Key as Traditional PEM

See more Private Key Examples

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 Go Downloads

Download Chilkat for Go

    success := false

    //  Load a private key to export.
    privKey := chilkat.NewPrivateKey()
    success = privKey.LoadPemFile("qa_data/private.pem")
    if success == false {
        fmt.Println(privKey.LastErrorText())
        privKey.DisposePrivateKey()
        return
    }

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

    fmt.Println(*pem)

    privKey.DisposePrivateKey()