---
title: "Allocation Methods Overview"
slug: "allocation-methods-overview"
updated: 2026-02-18T16:54:52Z
published: 2026-02-18T16:54:52Z
canonical: "docs.dataloop.ai/allocation-methods-overview"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dataloop.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Allocation Methods Overview

## Task Allocation Methods

You can configure tasks to use one of the following two allocation methods, which determine how items are distributed to assignments.

- [**Distribution**](/1-3-8/docs/distribution-method): In this method, when tasks are created, dataset items are initially allocated to assignments. Any modifications to assignments, such as the addition or removal of assignees or the rebalancing of items, necessitate a recalibration of the assignments.
- [**Pulling**](/1-3-8/docs/pulling-method): In this method, dataset items are initially queued in a concealed assignment and subsequently distributed to assignees in small batches based on their progress. This method makes it quite straightforward to make changes to the team since no assignee is burdened with many items in their assignment.

## Bucket Assignment - Tasks Without Assignees

### Distribution Type Tasks

You can create distribution-type tasks without any assignees using SDK.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/53f32fe9-1937-4652-8526-90c1bc78d3f8/Images/Documentation/bucketAssignment.png)

- Once the task is created, an icon labeled **Bucket Assignment** will be displayed on the task's assignment, indicating that the entire task's workload will be assigned to the task owner as a bucket.
- The User Interface does not allow the creation of distribution-type tasks without any assignees.

---

### Pulling Type Tasks

You can use either the SDK or the UI to create pulling-type tasks without any assignees. Once the task is created, no **Bucket Assignment** icon will be displayed on the task's assignment.

#### SDK Example

An example of task creation without any assignees - bucket assignment creation from the SDK.

```python
import dtlpy as dl
import datetime
if dl.token_expired():
    dl.login()
project = dl.projects.get(project_id='ENTER YOUR PROJECT ID')
dataset = project.datasets.get(dataset_name='ENTER YOR DATASET NAME')
filters = dl.Filters()
task = dataset.tasks.create(task_name='ENTER YOUR TASK NAME',
                            due_date=datetime.datetime(day=15, month=7, year=2023).timestamp(),
                            filters=filters)
```

Make sure to input your project ID, dataset name, and the desired task name.

For more information about how to create a task using the SDK, see the [Creating Tasks](https://developers.dataloop.ai/tutorials/getting_started/sdk_overview/chapter/#creating-tasks) article.