The key is identifying how to use these tools and when.

Local models like Qwen are a good example of how these can be used, privately, to automate a bunch of repetitive non-determistic tasks. However, they can spot out some crap when used mindlessly.

They are great for skett hing out software ideas though, ie try a 20 prompts for 4 versions, get some ideas and then move over to implementation.

If you’re just going to VPN in to your home network, I’ve found caddy to be the simplest.