Star ("*") mapping that tries to be a bit smarter

mappings.vim

" Using "g*" does two things differently from the normal "*":
"
"   - Doesn't move the cursor, simply sets the match
"   - When moving the cursor with "n" and "N", positions it where it was on the original word.
"
" Note: g* is ordinarily taken, see :help g*
"
nnoremap g* :call <SID>SmartStar()<cr>

function! s:SmartStar()
  let cword = expand('<cword>')

  if cword == ''
    echo "No word under the cursor"
    return
  endif

  let current_col = col('.')

  call search('\<'.cword.'\>', 'bWc', line('.'))

  let cword_start_col = col('.')
  let cword_start     = strpart(cword, 0, current_col - cword_start_col)
  let cword_end       = strpart(cword, current_col - cword_start_col)

  let search_pattern = '\<\%('.cword_start.'\zs'.cword_end.'\)\>'

  call histadd('search', search_pattern)
  let @/ = search_pattern
  normal! n

  echo 'Search for: '.cword
endfunction