Method, system and program product for configuring a digital system based upon system-level variables

In a method of data processing, a binary system configuration file is interpreted by reference to a value set of at least one system-level variable in response to a configuration event. The binary system configuration file contains a binary representation of a plurality of system configuration statements specifying a plurality of different alternative configurations of a data processing system in terms of the at least one system-level variable. In response to interpreting the binary system configuration file, the data processing system is configured for operation by setting one or more configuration latches within the data processing system.