Continuity as a computational effect

The original purpose of component–based development was to provide techniques to master complex software, through composition, reuse and parametrisation. However, such systems are rapidly moving towards a level in which software becomes prevalently intertwined with (continuous) physical processes. A possible way to accommodate the latter in component calculi relies on a suitable encoding of continuous behaviour as (yet another) computational effect. This paper introduces such an encoding through a monad which, in the compositional development of hybrid systems, may play a role similar to the one played by the 1+, powerset, and distribution monads in the characterisation of partial, non deterministic and probabilistic components, respectively. This monad and its Kleisli category provide a setting in which the effects of continuity over (different forms of) composition can be suitably studied.