Why hasn't C language been phased out after all these years, and why do many universities still use it?

This question is actually quite interesting. Currently, computer science departments are offering courses in Python, Java, and web development, and C language has not been phased out. In fact, some schools are even increasing the credit weight of C language courses. I don’t find this surprising at all. Such course arrangements precisely highlight the difference between formal education and the quick fixes offered by training programs. Learning C language in school is not about learning the language itself, but about understanding the fundamental building blocks of a computer system reflected in the language's underlying structure. In terms of hardware interaction, C language remains unparalleled. For instance, you can examine the Linux source code, which is filled with structs and pointers. From operating system process scheduling to memory management, C language is everywhere. If you merely treat C language as a language to learn, it can be mastered in a day, as its syntax is simple enough to be outlined in less than 10 A4 pages. However, when examining large-scale projects written in C language, you will find that the language often serves as a tool to express ideas and operations, while the underlying computational logic behind the syntax is the true essence. Let's also discuss its applicable scenarios. One fundamental reason why C has not been phased out is the rapid development of the internet. The construction of the vast infrastructure behind it is still implemented using C. From the Linux kernel running on large servers to the smart refrigerators in our homes, the underlying layer is all C. Many people think of C as a relic of the last century that should have been phased out long ago, but the reality is the opposite. As a product of the last century, C has leveraged its compactness, lightweight nature, high performance, and low-level capabilities to penetrate a wide range of fields. In cost-sensitive areas like the Internet of Things (IoT), it has found significant opportunities to shine. Finally, let's talk about performance. Many large companies often adopt agile development to prioritize efficiency when rushing to meet business deadlines, but once the business stabilizes, they focus on performance to enhance user experience and achieve cost savings. This is where C/C++ comes into play, often used to refactor core business systems. For example, database storage engines, 3D rendering particle effects, and other low-level components are typically built using C/C++. If you find learning C too straightforward, you can try reading the source code of large-scale projects written in C. I believe you will gain a lot more from it. If you are concerned that C has a long history and worry that spending too much time learning it might make you obsolete, I think there’s no need for that. It might be because the consumer-facing internet products we encounter around us aren’t developed in C, which might cause some anxiety. However, C is actually used more widely than you might imagine in fields like industrial control, consumer electronics, robotics, and drones.