What is the minimal number of required files and folders needed to create an Unreal Engine Project? Surprisingly little -- one, one-line file to be specific -- and you can launch without needing to use the Launcher or have unreal prompt for a Template project.
Maybe the interesting thing here is that this is an option for some kind of automation. It's literally just create a one-line file, "open" it, and (maybe) select your chosen Unreal version.
Given the number of dev and test files I create, this is a nice direct way to get up and going.