Actually I've been recommended to switch to C# numerous times. Most of the times the argument is that it is "easier"(faster to work with, less cumbersome etc.) I'll probably stick to C++ for a while and maybe after that I'll try C# - thanks for the advice anyways
But it removes the unwieldy C++ complexity.
By complexity you mean?
Jep, my vouch for SlimDX or SharpDX too, if you're mainly after D3D programming. The latter has ongoing development, comes with a XNA-like framework and currently they even integrate Assimp (3D-Model importer).
No I am not mainly after D3D programming. I'd like to learn to program better in C++ as much as I like graphics (and I won't limit myself to D3D only).
Starting with D3D11 is hard, I don't think you will find anything easier. Luna is really your best shot here, he progresses slowly and hardly skips any details. He also has good (sometimes not so trivial) exercises .
Thanks, at least now I'll know that I am not missing something vital - it's nice knowing which books and tutorials to use when learning something
When you feel comfortable enough, you can also make up your own "exercises" (e.g. ask yourself if and how a certain algorithm could be implemented on the GPU) and start reading more advanced stuff and try to implement them yourself. The GPU Gems series is highly recommended in this regard.
Yeah I thought of checking GPU and Game programming gems after I progress more.
Thanks for the valuable advice guys!