VSCode in WSL: how to sudo a root file so I can edit it

Question

WSL v.1 -- VSCode v1.40.1 (using \'Remote - WSL\' extension 40.3)

How to open a root-owned file for edit using sudo and VSCode? (without running as root)

Answer 1

Currently, the only way I was able to achieve this was to use rmate.

1. Install rmate on your WSL VM

sudo wget -O /usr/bin/rmate https://raw.githubusercontent.com/aurora/rmate/master/rmate
sudo chmod a+x /usr/bin/rmate

I'm using a Debian Buster WSL here, however you can replace /usr/bin with an appropriate folder in your $PATH depending on your OS or your preference.

2. Install the Remote VS Code plugin

make sure the Extension is enabled on WSL: after adding the plugin.

Here is how I configured the remote VS Code plugin

File -> Preferences -> Settings

3. Start the VSCode rmate server

Press F1 and run Search for the Remote: Start Server command.

4. Edit your privileged files

Start your WSL instance and open a terminal. If you've done everything correctly you should be able to now edit your files with sudo priveledges in your editor, even if you are not the root user.

sudo rmate /etc/profile.d/custom-profile.sh