The <Handler> element is used to configure generic SP handlers that offer miscellaneous functionality that doesn't fall into the categories covered by other predefined elements.

Typically, if a handler implements a SSO protocol, issues SSO requests, deals with logout, or implements other capabilities baked into the SAML 2.0 specification, it will not use the generic element to configure itself.

Handler types

Handlers are specified via the type= attribute.  They have individual attributes and child elements, as well as the Common Attributes listed below.  The following are available

• Metadata Generation  Handler
• Status Handler
• Session Handler
• Discovery Feed Handler
• Attribute Checker  Handler
• External Authentication  Handler
• Attribute Resolver Handler

Common Attributes