def pop_task(self, number):
if not self._started.isSet():<EOL><INDENT>if number is True:<EOL><INDENT>self._tasks = []<EOL>self._tasks_tracked = {}<EOL><DEDENT>elif number > <NUM_LIT:0>:<EOL><INDENT>last_task_id = len(self._tasks) - <NUM_LIT:1><EOL>for i in range(number):<EOL><INDENT>self._tasks.pop()<EOL>self._tasks_tracked.pop(last_task_id - i, None)<EOL><DEDENT><DEDENT><DEDENT>else:<EOL><INDENT>log.error('<STR_LIT>' % self)<EOL>raise RuntimeError('<STR_LIT>' % self)<EOL><DEDENT>
Removes a previously added **task** from the ``NuMap`` instance.

Arguments:

  - number (``int`` or ``True``) A positive integer specifying the 
    number of **tasks** to pop. If  number is set ``True`` all **tasks**
    will be popped.