Align AGENTS.md with org standard

[glenn-jocher]

Replace the drifted Core Principles and PR Workflow sections in AGENTS.md with the current org-standard text (5 principles, review gate, and the 5-step PR workflow). The repo-specific Commands, Architecture, and Conventions sections are unchanged, and the README, workflows, and issue templates were reviewed and found accurate.

🛠️ PR Summary

_{Made with ❤️ by Ultralytics Actions}

🌟 Summary

Refines the repository’s AI-agent contribution guidelines to emphasize simpler, safer, and more disciplined development workflows. 🛠️

📊 Key Changes

• Strengthens the “Delete > Replace > Add” approach, prioritizing removal or modification of existing code over adding new abstractions.
• Adds clearer guidance to:
  • Fix issues at their source rather than masking symptoms.
  • Search for and reuse existing functionality.
  • Keep changes minimal and avoid speculative code.
  • Remove unused code and validate changes thoroughly.
• Introduces a formal review gate requiring reviewers to confirm that additions could not be avoided through deletion or modification.
• Updates Git workflow rules to:
  • Always work in a new Git worktree and feature branch.
  • Never push directly to main or force-push.
  • Perform cold, full-diff reviews before merging.
  • Re-review changes after automated or human commits.

🎯 Purpose & Impact

• 🧹 Encourages smaller, cleaner, and less complex contributions.
• 🐛 Reduces regressions by directing agents to correct root causes instead of adding workarounds.
• 🤝 Improves collaboration by defining safer branch, worktree, and commit practices.
• 🔍 Makes PR validation more consistent through explicit review and re-review requirements.
• ⚡ May reduce unnecessary code growth while increasing confidence in production readiness.

[UltralyticsAssistant]

👋 Hello @glenn-jocher, thank you for submitting a ultralytics/replicate 🚀 PR! This automated message helps track the standard review steps, and an engineer will assist with any questions or follow-up. To ensure a seamless integration of your work, please review the following checklist:

• ✅ Define a Purpose: Clearly explain the purpose of your fix or feature in your PR description, and link to any relevant issues. Ensure your commit messages are clear, concise, and adhere to the project's conventions.
• ✅ Synchronize with Source: Confirm your PR is synchronized with the ultralytics/replicate main branch. If it's behind, update it by clicking the 'Update branch' button or by running git pull and git merge main locally.
• ✅ Ensure CI Checks Pass: Verify all Ultralytics Continuous Integration (CI) checks are passing. If any checks fail, please address the issues.
• ✅ Update Documentation: Update the relevant documentation for any new or modified features.
• ✅ Add Tests: If applicable, include or update tests to cover your changes, and confirm that all tests are passing.
• ✅ Sign the CLA: Please ensure you have signed our Contributor License Agreement if this is your first Ultralytics PR by writing "I have read the CLA Document and I sign the CLA" in a new message.
• ✅ Minimize Changes: Limit your changes to the minimum necessary for your bug fix or feature addition. "It is not daily increase but daily decrease, hack away the unessential. The closer to the source, the less wastage there is." — Bruce Lee
  For more guidance, please refer to our Contributing Guide. Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions. Thank you for contributing to Ultralytics! 🚀

[UltralyticsAssistant]

🔍 PR Review

_{Made with ❤️ by Ultralytics Actions}

Clean PR. The updated Core Principles and PR Workflow match the provided organization-standard guidance, retain the required worktree and non-force-push safeguards, and do not alter repository-specific instructions.

[UltralyticsAssistant]

🎉 Merged—thank you, @glenn-jocher, for strengthening the AI-agent contribution guidelines!

As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” This PR puts that principle into practice by prioritizing deletion and refinement over unnecessary additions, addressing root causes, reusing existing functionality, and enforcing safer Git and review workflows. These improvements will help keep contributions smaller, cleaner, and more reliable. 🙌