dynamically changing the values of database system variables set in an option file

Question

In MySQL SET syntax page it says following: "To make a global system variable setting permanent, you should set it in an option file". Does this mean that I will not be able to dynamically change the values of variables set in the option file? (I want to change them iteratively via some script).

Answer 1

No, it simply means you are setting a global default value that will survive restarts of the service. The SET command will still override any defaults in the scope specified (global, session, etc.).

If you are using SET GLOBALs, you have probably already overridden option file defaults.