Sample code for 30+ languages & platforms
Zig

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 Zig Downloads

Zig
const std = @import("std");
const chilkat = @import("chilkat");

pub fn main(init: std.process.Init) !void {
    const alloc = init.arena.allocator();

    // Load a private key to export.
    const priv_key = try chilkat.PrivateKey.init();
    defer priv_key.deinit();
    priv_key.loadPemFile("qa_data/private.pem") catch {
        std.debug.print("{s}\n", .{try priv_key.getLastErrorText(alloc)});
        return;
    };

    // Export as unencrypted PEM, preferring the traditional algorithm-specific representation when
    // one exists (for example "-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----").
    const pem = priv_key.getPkcs1Pem(alloc) catch {
        std.debug.print("{s}\n", .{try priv_key.getLastErrorText(alloc)});
        return;
    };

    std.debug.print("{s}\n", .{pem});
}