Adafruit NFC Shield - prototyping area?

Using Arduino General Electronics
#1

Hi, I have a few dumb questions that I can’t seem to find answers to.

1 - The block of holes at the opposite side of the antenna (14 rows, 6 holes per row), is that like a mini stripboard? I’m using the shield to activate a tip122 transistor that I have setup on a breadboard. The circuit uses a resistor, the tip122 transistor and a N4007 diode. Could I basically use that area to solder my final circuit into?

2 - If it is like a stripboard, those rows of holes are not interconnected like the strips on a breadboard. How do you connect 2 holes together?

** EDIT **

I attached a picture of the shield.

ADAFRUIT_NFCSHIELD.png
ADAFRUIT_NFCSHIELD.png708×325 367 KB

#2

While not documented i have sucesssfully used that area for a 16 pin dil and led display.
The pads are unconnected.
I used soldered jumper wire but would be good for wire wrap.

#3

MisterFrench:
2 - If it is like a stripboard, those rows of holes are not interconnected like the strips on a breadboard. How do you connect 2 holes together?

To join two components just bend one of the legs across under the board and solder it to the other one.

#4