Handlers are the Cherokee modules that actually manage the connections. You can specify what module actually must handle the connection for any given rule matched in your Virtual servers settings. Several are provided to perform a varied set of actions, though it is possible to develop homebrewed handlers easily once you grasp the basics of Cherokee's internal architecture.
This is the list of standard handlers provided by Cherokee:
Static Content: Send files.
Only listing: List directories.
List & Send: List directories and send files.
HTTP error: Generate custom HTTP errors.
Redirection: URL forwards and rewrites.
CGI: Common Gateway Interface.
FastCGI: Fast Common Gateway Interface.
SCGI: Simple Common Gateway Interface.
HTTP reverse proxy: Surrogate/reverse proxy handler.
Server Side Includes: SSI Server Support.
Audio/Video Streaming: Media streamer.
Hidden Downloads: Secure, Time expiring downloads.
Server Info: Provide info about Cherokee.
MySQL bridge: MySQL over HTTP bridge.
Generic balancer: Load balancing module.
Remote Administration: Cherokee administration handler.