CkPython

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.

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import sys
import chilkat

success = False

#  Load a private key to export.
privKey = chilkat.CkPrivateKey()
success = privKey.LoadPemFile("qa_data/private.pem")
if (success == False):
    print(privKey.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

#  Export as unencrypted PEM, preferring the traditional algorithm-specific representation when
#  one exists (for example "-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----").
pem = privKey.getPkcs1Pem()
if (privKey.get_LastMethodSuccess() == False):
    print(privKey.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

print(pem)