In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Danny Thompson sits down with Ben Peeri, Lead Solutions Architect and Entrepreneur, for a candid and energetic conversation on how AI tools are reshaping the way developers build software. They explore the strengths and tradeoffs of platforms like v0, Bolt, and Replit, diving into how these tools fit into modern dev workflows—from quick POCs to potential production use.Ben shares his unique approach to local LLMs, including how he uses them for pen testing and simulating malicious actors to harden apps before release. The conversation also covers the shifting landscape for junior developers, why thinking like a product owner is more critical than ever, and what it means to lead a team of AI agents.Keypoints from this episode:- AI tools compared – v0, Bolt, and Replit each serve different purposes, from fast prototyping to more complex backend support, but all come with trade-offs in control and scalability.- Local LLMs for security – Running local models allows for safe pen testing by simulating bad actors, something API-based LLMs can’t do due to usage restrictions.- The role of prompting – Effective prompting, even using “carrot and stick” tactics, makes a big difference in the quality of LLM outputs and testing accuracy.- The evolving dev role – Junior devs will need to shift from building everything from scratch to refining and scaling AI-generated code—thinking more like operators of agent-powered dev studios.Follow Ben Peeri on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpeeri/Sponsored by This Dot: thisdotlabs.com
