We are facing a period where software projects have a huge dimension involving small resources, high risk and a wide range of available approaches. In this scenario the Software Development Methodologies (SDMs) can prove to be a useful ally, but very dangerous and even fatal if misused. The big issue around this matter is how to choose the appropriated SDM that ts a speci c project. In the given scope, this dissertation describes a framework for comparing SDMs delivering a set of procedures that should be followed when the choice of an SDM is made. The dissertation approaches the framework by applying it to a group of SDMs that were selected by their popularity and signi cance. This exercise is done to prove the concept of the framework and to provide a base comparison, with each chosen SDM, that can, and should, be extended by those who choose to use the framework. The classi cation is achieved by de ning a scale that goes from total satisfaction to no satisfaction, with an intermediate level of partial satisfaction, that is applied to a set of keys. These keys are based in SWEBOK (Software Engineering Body Of Knowledge) that describes and explains the di erent Knowledge Areas (KA) stating their common issues and best practices. To explain the framework, the dissertation analyzes each KA and evaluates the selected SDMs by assessing how their approach complies with SWEBOK's knowledge areas, using the previous stated scale. The framework delivered can be enriched by its user who should provide weights to each KA regarding the project in which the SDM will be used and previous experiences