[fogus]

> If the language isn't enforcing the encapsulation, how is it encapsulated?

What do you mean by "enforce"? Java's private modifier doesn't enforce encapsulation. Javascript's objects do not have a private modifier, but still provides encapsulation via closures. It's hard to have a meaningful discussion when loose terms like "enforce" are thrown around.

[MartinCron]

Sure, the private access modifier doesn't strictly "enforce" encapsulation. Perhaps the term should be "language supported".

I guess, for me, that the point of private is to clearly communicate the intent of the interface (small "i" interface) of a type. That intent is generally "don't use this, use this other part instead" or "if you couple, to this, it may break on you".

There are other ways of expressing that intent, I just really like having the compiler help me and my collaborators from making stupid mistakes.