IntelliJ IDEA is a polyglot IDE that supports development in languages like Java, Python, PHP, and JavaScript. It uses a modular plugin architecture and services like PicoContainer to provide features like code inspections, intentions, templates, and support for build tools and version control. It also integrates with tools like TeamCity and YouTrack for project management. Plugins extend its capabilities to support additional languages, diagrams, workspaces, and more.