Write a file as root from a non-root vim.

Problem

I often edit config files in vim, try to save them, and then realize that I ran vim as a normal user and the config file is in /etc. In the past I would close vim and redo all of my changes as root (using sudo). This is a real pain especially if I had made a lot of changes.

Solution

Add the following to your ~/.vimrc:

cmap w!! w !sudo tee % >/dev/null<CR>:e!<CR><CR>

A while ago I came across this post that describes how to save a file as root from a non-root vim by adding cmap w!! w !sudo tee % >/dev/null to my .vimrc.

The problem is that, after running this command, vim will notice that the file has changed on disk and ask the user if he or she wants to reload it. After a while this got annoying, therefore the multiple CRs (enters) and the :e! (reloads the file).