What makes the C programming language uniquely valuable in the software development world?

According to Herb Sutter, C's distinctive value lies in its dual capability to work close to the hardware while providing robust abstraction mechanisms. This enables it to effectively manage resources at a low level while simultaneously supporting the development of larger, demanding applications through its abstraction capabilities. Sutter emphasizes that this balanced approach is the core 'C model' that people often overlook amid hype or criticisms. The language occupies a special place in programming by bridging the gap between hardware interaction and higher-level application development, making it remarkably versatile and enduring in the software ecosystem.