The experience and knowledge that a new trader can gain by actually trading will definitely be much deeper and more effective, you can never gain deep and effective knowledge by reading books or watching videos, which you can gain through real trading first. However, one thing is definitely important that after gaining general knowledge in the initial stage, you have to do real trading with a limited amount of money. Because general knowledge must be gained, there is no alternative to gain general knowledge in the first stage, only after general knowledge will you move towards gaining deep knowledge.
There are two aspects of trading for newcomer, first is to learn and second is to practically start trading. I would advise everyone to start trading only after getting basic knowledge about trading. Once you have basic knowledge and understanding of trading you can jump with small money or money you can afford to lose. In start ever trader made mistakes that's why it's important to keep initial capital very small, secondly one must not get disappointed with initial loses as they are life lessons that can help in becoming a successful trader.
Rightly said it is very wise for beginners in trading to start trading practically only after acquiring basic knowledge because if you jump in without knowing there is a possibility of big losses. Trading is not a gamble, it is a skill that has to be acquired with knowledge practice and experience if you start with big capital even a small mistake can cause a lot of big losses which can be a serious disappointment for beginners. Therefore to be successful in trading you have to be patient and learn from mistakes. Every loss is a lesson which will help you make better decisions later this learning process will make you an experienced and successful trader.