Can one object access the private variable of another object of the same class?

[Mike Ngo]

I came across this question in the javaranch mock question.

#208 Can one object access the private variable of another object of the same class?
Answer: Yes. Private means �private to the class�. Not private to the object.
So two objects of the same class could access each other�s private data.

Can someone explain or give an example? I don't see how it can be done.

[Keith Lynn]

public class Test {
   private int num;
 
   public Test(int num) {
      this.num = num;
   }
 
   public boolean equals(Object o) {
      if (o instanceof Test) {
         Test test = (Test)o;
 
         return(num == test.num);
      } else
         return(false);
   }
 
   public static void main(String[] args) {
      Test test1 = new Test(1);
      Test test2 = new Test(1);
 
      System.out.println(test1.equals(test2));
   }
}

[Mike Ngo]

Thanks.